Photo: Collected
Increasing the quantity of food production alone is not enough, agriculture and fisheries and livestock minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has remarked. In his words, safe, nutritious and quality food must be ensured in food production, taking into account people’s health and nutritional needs.
The agriculture minister made these remarks in his speech as chief guest at a programme held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council at Farmgate in the capital on Friday marking World Food Day 2026.
Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said that alongside the food crisis in the world, the issue of ensuring the quality and nutrition of food is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, special emphasis must be given to the production of safe and nutritious food alongside raising production in agriculture.
Noting that the food habits of the young generation are changing across the world, the minister said their interest in vegetables and fruits, alongside rice, is growing. In this reality, the supply of nutrient-rich food must be increased by bringing changes to the pattern and planning of agricultural production.
Expressing concern over the harmful effects of pesticides and heavy metals in agriculture, he said excessive pesticides are used on crops in many cases in the hope of higher yields. This raises the risk of food contamination and can have a seriously negative impact on public health. To tackle this situation, the safe food production system needs to be strengthened alongside making farmers aware.
Amin Ur Rashid also offered words of hope about the future of agriculture. He said interest in agriculture is growing among the young generation; if modern technology, research and innovation can be put to use, it is possible to turn agriculture into an even more productive, profitable and sustainable sector.
Agriculture Ministry Secretary Md Selim Khan presided over the programme. The keynote paper was presented by Dr Khondaker Md Iftekharuddaula, chief scientific officer and head of the plant breeding division of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute.
