Speakers at a virtual seminar have demanded to prioritise agriculture sector in the budget of 2020-21 fiscal year to minimise the economic impact during post-pandemic period.
They also said the government should ensure 6 per cent allocation for agriculture ministry in the budget.
The suggestions were made at a virtual seminar on agriculture budget organised by Democratic Budget Movement (DBM) and Food Security Network (Khani) Bangladesh on Friday, said a press release.
Secretary of food ministry Dr. Mosammat Nazmanara Khanum joined the seminar as chief guest with Khani Bangladesh’s Chairman Dr. Md. Zainul Abedin in the chair.
Noted economist Professor Dr. M M Akash, former agriculture secretary Anowar Faruk and Democratic Budget Movement (DBM) secretary Monowar Mustafa were present as panel speakers.
Khani Bangladesh’s Secretary Nurul Alam Masum presented the keynote paper in the seminar, which was moderated by media personality in the field of agriculture Rezaul Karim Siddique.
M M Akash said farmers should get cash support so that they can buy seed, fertiliser.
Talking about market management, the economist said the government should establish a direct connection between farmers and consumers so that both sections can get benefit.
Khani Bangladesh’s Chairman Dr. Md. Zainul Abedin, in his speech, suggested forming agriculture monitoring committee.
Farmers from different marginalised areas, agricultural scientists, development workers, teachers, economists, journalists and civil society members were also present at the virtual event.