President for intensifying research in developing salinity-tolerant crops

President Abdul Hamid has underscored the need for intensifying research in developing salinity tolerant varieties of crops, especially the paddy, saying that it is a big challenge for Bangladesh to face the negative impact of climate change on agriculture, reports the BSS.

 

"We have to intensify research in developing salinity tolerant varieties of crops as there is possibility of a rise in salinity level, fall in productivity and inundation of low-laying areas along the coastal region due to negative impact of climate change," the President said while addressing the 7th convocation of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) here today.

 

He also called upon the farmers and agriculturists to work along with the government to expedite development in agriculture sector, saying that there is no alternative to developing the agriculture and farmers to ensure sustainable growth of the country.

 

"Farmers, agriculturists and others involved in agriculture sector will have to work in coordination to take the country's gradual development and progress ahead," he added.

 

President Hamid said the present government has attached top priority to agriculture sector in its 'Vision-2021' for turning Bangladesh into a middle-income country. Development of farmers and agriculture is essential for achieving success in the struggle of long-term development because the role of agriculture is very important in gaining economic growth and its stability, he added.

 

Mentioning different measures of the government for the development of

agriculture, he said the country's agriculture sector has witnessed a massive development because of the government's realistic and timely steps, including supplying of fertilizers to farmers and electricity for irrigation.

 

Lauding the role of agriculturists, especially the BAU graduates for the development of agriculture, the President said Inter-Disciplinary Centre for Food Security (ICF) is one of the major research initiatives BAU has recently taken up. With financial support of the Dutch government, post-graduate degree is being offered and a food safety lab has been established under the ICF, he added.

 

Besides, a move is underway to set up "Haor and Char Development Institute", he said.

 

Religious Affairs Minister Principal Matiur Rahman, University Grants Commission Chairman Abdul Mannan and Vice-Chancellor of BAU Prof Dr Md Ali Akbar also spoke on the occasion.

 

Prof Dr Jamilur Reza Chowdhury delivered the convocation speech.

 

A total of 4,908 students were conferred degrees in the convocation while 93 students got gold medal for their outstanding academic performance.