Agriculture Secretary Md Saidul Islam has said that his ministry has no plan to ban the import of onion right now.
He made the statement while addressing a meeting on the ministry’s Annual Development Plan implementation review meeting at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday.
“We look into the interests of both farmers and consumers while awarding approvals for importing onion. Till now, farmers have been getting a fair price for onion from the market,” the secretary said.
“The month of Ramadan is just knocking on the door. We have to consider the issue of price hike during this month. Therefore, we have no plan to ban the import of onion at present.”
“However, we are monitoring the market closely. We will take measures to uphold the interests of both farmers and consumers,” he added.
Probe committee formed on farmer’s death
On the deaths of two farmers in Rajshahi, the agriculture secretary said, “The Ministry of Agriculture formed a four-member probe committee to investigate the death of two farmers in Rajshahi after being refused water for irrigation.”
He also confirmed that the committee has already visited the respective area in Rajshahi and the investigation has begun.
“We have looked into the issue after being informed. We have spoken to Barind Multipurpose Development Authority, Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi and the UNO concerned.”
“The committee has been asked to submit its report within the next 7 working days,” he added.
“If someone is found guilty, strict administrative action will be taken against them,” he said.
Besides the probe committee, the police will also conduct its own investigation into the case and take legal action, he informed.
ADP implementation achievement higher than the national average
“Agriculture ministry is implementing 77 projects in the current fiscal year worth Tk 3, 124 crore,” Saidul Islam said.
“Till February, 43 per cent of the overall implementation has been achieved, which is 8 per cent higher than the national achievement rate of 35 per cent,” he added.
