Minister urges large companies to invest in agro-processing sector

Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque on Wednesday called upon the country’s large business organisations to invest in the agro-processing sector for building a proper marketing system of agro products.

“There is no problem in production (of agricultural goods). But the marketing and supply system is somewhat disrupted. It is not possible to develop a proper and sustainable marketing system unless the large companies come forward in the agro-processing sector,” he said while addressing a webinar as the chief guest.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry arranged the webinar on ensuring food safety and supply chain during a pandemic.

The minister said the country’s rice production hit a record even during the Covid-19 pandemic, while production of other crops has also increased.

He said the production of mango and potato is higher this year. “In case of high production, problems arise while marketing of goods,” he said.

“If we can make mango juice and jelly or potato chips and other items on a large scale by processing mango and potato, the marketing problem will be solved and farmers will get fair prices,” said Razzaque, who joined the virtual seminar from the Bangladesh Secretariat.

In this context, he asked the FBCCI (Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry) and the DCCI to come forward in investing in the agro-processing sector.

The minister said the present government has been working with utmost importance to ensure safe and standard food.

The BSTI (Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution) and the Bangladesh Safe Food Authority will have to play a stronger role in this case, he said.

He mentioned that the Executive Committee of National Economic Council also approved a Tk 156 crore project to modernise the Central Packing House at Shyampur in Dhaka in a bid to boost agricultural export and ensure the proper standard of the agro-goods.

Food Secretary Nazmanara Khanum said public-private partnership can be useful for ensuring safe food in the country.

“We have a plan to train up and create a skilled workforce. Motivation of all concerned in the food value chain is important. There are a lot of problems. But we have to solve all constraints gradually,” she said.

BSTI Director General Md Nazrul Anwar said BSTI has already developed software with QR code facility to check duplication of BSTI logo.

This software would be effective in the next three months, he said.

Nazrul also said BSTI is also trying to expand its activities in the district level.

DCCI President Rizwan Rahman, who chaired the webinar, said Bangladesh needs to focus on relevant regulations like GAP, GMP standards, safety-net, health hygiene, and e-commerce in order to create a friendly ecosystem to face the challenges of any pandemic or disaster.

Noting that 15 per cent VAT on e-commerce will hamper this sector, the DCCI president requested the government to withdraw this VAT to give them some time to grow.

Chairman of Kernal Foundation Saleh Ahmed, Managing Director of Foodpanda Ambareen Reza, Advisor (Value Chain and Market Development) of the World Bank Mahbub Alam, and Chief Executive Officer of Bengal Meat AFM Asif, among others, spoke at the event.