Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque on Wednesday laid emphasis on reducing the dependency of edible oil imports through agricultural mechanisation and marketing.
He also said Bangladesh is spending huge amount of money in edible oil imports as the country is now importing such oil worth Tk 130 to Tk 140 billion.
The country needs to lay emphasis on agricultural mechanisation to reduce import depencdency, the minister said, adding that marketing is vital to ensure fair price for farmers.
Dr Razzaque made the remarks while speaking at a national workshop of a project (third phase) of seed production, preservation and distribution of pulses, oil and spices at an auditorium of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute in the capital.
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) organised the function.
Speaking at the function as the chief guest, the minister laid emphasis on increasing the productivity of pulses, oil and spices as per demand to commercialise agriculture.
Director general (DG) Kbd. Mir Nurul Alam chaired the event while Agriculture Secretary Md. Nasiruzzaman spoke on the occasion as the special guest.
Agriculture Secretary Md. Nasiruzzaman said the five-year project of the DAE will help reduce 20 per cent of import of pulses, oil and spices.
