DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday asked farmers of the country to reduce the use of insecticides in agricultural land.
The premier also asked them to increase the alternative use of concerted insecticides.
Shekh Hasina, also ruling Awami League president, came up with the plea while addressing a program of distribution of Bangabandhu Krishi Padak at Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
She also observed that overuse of insecticides reduces the fertility of land.
Sheikh Hasina asked the farmers to produce bio-fertiliser and use it in lands that will help retaining the qualities of cultivable land; to use light-traps to catch nocturnal insects and pests.
Claiming that the government has been providing electricity as per demand of farmers, she further asked the farmers to be conscious to reduce the loss of water during irrigation.
She also put emphasis on balanced use of fertilisers asking cultivators to reduce the production of crops that require irrigation much.
The prime minister said Barisal was once known as the food-source of the country but the northern region is producing more crops in these days.
She asked the farmers to produce oil-producing crops so that government can reduce the import of oil.
Local methods can be used to preserve potatoes so that the crop can be preserved for a long time and can be sold in a reasonable price later.
Mentioning that the government has been providing help to small and middle industrial institutions through SME Foundation, Hasina said, “Farmers should use the initiative by using floating beds.”
She also said, “The government has taken initiative to preserve land through dredging the rivers.”
Terming villages the main centre of economy, she said the educated progenies of farmers also should come to cultivation.
Later, she handed over prizes to 30 persons and institutions for their outstanding contribution to 10 fields of agriculture.
Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury and Fisheries and Livestock Minister M Sayedul Haque were among others present at the function.
** PM hands over ‘Bangabandhu Krishi Padak’
BDST: 1715 HRS, DEC 13, 2014
