Modern agro-tech project initiated in Jashore region

The Agriculture Ministry has taken an initiative to expand modern sustainable agricultural technology in Jashore region to boost crop production.

In this regard, the ministry has undertaken a project titled ‘Sustainable Agriculture Expansion in Jashore Region’ to reduce 15 per cent loss of crops, a senior official of the Planning Ministry told The Business Post.

The project aims to increase crop production by 15 per cent and reduce production cost of crop by 20 per cent.

It will also increase the capacity of 28, 620 farmers through reducing loss of crops production.

The project will be implemented in 31 upazilas under Jashore, Jhenaidah, Magura, Kushtia, Chuadanga and Meherpur districts. The cost of the project is estimated at Tk 171.32 crore which will come from the government exchequer. The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) will implement the project from July 2022 to June 2027.

According to the project proposal, it is necessary to meet the nutritional needs of the growing population of the country, address the effects of climate change and make farmers profitable at all levels from production to marketing.

To achieve this, it is essential to produce high-value crops, expand sustainable agricultural technologies, procure and integrate young entrepreneurs into the mainstream of agriculture.

According to the project proposal, the implementing agency will hold 34, 662 exhibitions on agricultural technology in implementation areas along with constructing 62 agriculture centres.

The main components will be to construct 318 cooling chambers along with procurement of 30, 959 agriculture equipment.

However, the implementing agency will hold domestic training for farmers in 2, 692 batches.

Officials of the Planning Commission said the project would help to produce high-priced crops, different types of crops and create women and young entrepreneurs in the project areas.

The project was included in the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP) in the fiscal year 2021-22.

Chief of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Division Md Foyzul Islam said the region would see production of high-value crops and diversification of grain production.

“The project will help safe crops, processing of agricultural products, creation of women and young entrepreneurs, commercialization of agriculture and meeting the demand for national nutrition will be possible,” he added.

He also said the project would play a vital role in the expansion of modern technology.