As Covid-19 continues to alter the way we live our lives, the need for safeguards become more and more integral, and nowhere is this perhaps more pertinent than in ensuring that the people of the country continue to have food on the table.
To that end, the fund of Tk5,000 crore proposed by the government in order to sustain food production and agriculture efforts is a timely and welcome boost.
Together with other incentives to the agriculture sector such as the Tk100cr allocated for its mechanization and the future Tk150cr proposed for the buying of seeds, this should provide some respite during these incredibly difficult times.
Already, there have been ominent signs that acute food shortage -- among the many demons of the past that Bangladesh has long left behind -- could return amidst the pandemic.
It goes without saying that we must do everything we can to make sure that this does not become our reality once more.
As Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rightfully noted, we have some of the most fertile land in the world, and with the correct mechanisms and strategies in place, we should be able to ward off the dangers of acute food shortage.
This is where effective utilization of this fund will be crucial. It is one thing to propose a solution, but it is only when all stakeholders come together and effectively implement the strategies and work together will we see our agriculture sector thrive.
It is also equally important to assist the people who are working in our agriculture sector so that they may continue to do their jobs properly and continue to produce food for the rest of the country. This means encouraging safe practices while working in the fields, and no law enforcers should be restricting their movements.
Together, our country has overcome extremely difficult times in the past and we can overcome this difficult time as well.
