FBCCI urges farmers’ skill development

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) has called for prioritising the efficiency skill development of farmers to increase agricultural productivity and reduce the cost of cultivation.

This call came at an FBCCI preparatory meeting about the upcoming “Indo-Bangladesh Agri Mechanization Summit – IBAM” at the FBCCI office on Tuesday, read a press release.

While presiding over the meeting, FBCCI Vice President MA Momen said, “India is one of the leading countries in the production of Agri machinery. Their skills and technology can contribute to the agricultural mechanisation of Bangladesh.

“In this regard, the IBAM will create an opportunity to develop cooperation between the stakeholders of both countries.”

FBCCI Vice President Amin Helaly said, “Agri mechanisation is a burning issue in Bangladesh now. Mechanisation in the post-harvesting period is more essential here.

“Due to the labour crisis and poor processing capacity, a significant number of crops are damaged at the farm level. The summit will be the knowledge-sharing hub for the local Agri machinery manufacturers.”

In cooperation with FBCCI and the Indian High Commission, Dhaka, the IBAM summit will be held on the 27, 28, and 29 of January 2023 at the International Convention City Bashundhara.

Atreyee Talapatra, the secretary of the Tractor and Mechanization Association (TMA), said that the summit is going to be held under the auspices of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and its sister concern the TMA.

The event aims to create Agri mechanised ecosystem in Bangladesh that in turn will lead to increased food production.

FBCCI Director Dr Ferdousi Begum said, “We don't want to be just buyers of Agri equipment. We urge manufacturers to invest more in the Agri machinery sector.”

The Agri Entrepreneurs urge the manufacturers to produce customised equipment for farmers by considering the local farming culture.

FBCCI Director MGR Nasir Majumder, Bijoy Kumar Kejriwal, Hafez Harun, Md Naser, the head of Bangladesh- Farm Equipment sector of the Mahindra and Mahindra Company Sourabh Biswas, and distinguished guests were present at the meeting.