Govt to award AIPs for agri sector

The government has decided to recognise people who have made significant contributions to the development of the country’s agricultural sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture plans to select a maximum of 45 people in five categories each year as ‘Agricultural Important Persons - AIPs’.

A gazette notification finalising the Agricultural Important Person Policy-2019 was issued by the government on Thursday. The ministry has already made the final list of AIP award recipients for 2020 which will be handed over the winners in October this year.

According to the policy, AIP cards will be handed over to the recipients each year between October 1 to 30.

People who have contributed remarkably in agricultural education, research and food security by producing and marketing agricultural goods will be considered for this award. At the same time, contributions to poverty alleviation and economic growth by creating employment in the agricultural sector will also be an important merit in receiving the AIP card.

The government will recognise the contributions of agronomists, entrepreneurs, producers, founders of commercial farms, agro-product processors and organisers to the overall development of the country, including crops, fisheries, livestock and forestry every year through the award.

The government issued an advertisement calling for applications for the award on March 16, 2021. The Ministry of Agriculture finalised a list of 45 people from the applicants. The status of AIP will be similar to the Commercially Important person (CIP).

“This recognition is a big initiative by the government. The policy was finalised to reward those involved in the production, innovation and export of agricultural products,” said Md Mesbahul Islam, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture.