Govt to support flood-affected farmers: Minister

Fisheries, Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid said on Saturday that the government is currently compiling an accurate list of farmers affected by the recent floods across the country to deliver targeted rehabilitation support.

Speaking to journalists after inaugurating a week-long tree plantation drive and tree fair at the Cumilla Town Hall grounds, the minister assured that necessary aid would be disbursed rapidly at the union and ward levels once the ongoing assessment is complete, said a press release.

"Following explicit directives from the prime minister, the local administration is actively working on the ground to gather precise data on the losses incurred by agriculturalists and cultivators," the minister said.

"The government will ensure all necessary support to help them recover and resume standard agricultural operations without delay," he added.

Addressing the nationwide tree plantation campaign, the minister noted that the prime minister is personally monitoring its progress to rule out any scope for irregularities or mismanagement. He reiterated the administration's firm stance on turning Bangladesh into a clean, green, and pollution-free nation.

To mitigate post-harvest losses and protect farmers from price volatility, the minister announced a massive infrastructure plan.

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"The government has initiated a phased program to set up mini cold storage facilities across the country. Several are already operational, and we have planned to construct over 2,000 additional mini cold storages in the near future," he added.

Highlighting the vital role of agriculture, the minister stated that around 75% of the country’s population is directly or indirectly reliant on farming. Therefore, improving farmers' livelihoods, ensuring fair prices, and transforming agriculture into a highly profitable sector remain core government priorities.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu, Deputy Commissioner Rosy Akter, Cumilla Social Forest Division's Divisional Forest Officer Md Ruhul Amin, and Superintendent of Police Anisuzzaman, alongside senior administrative officials and political leaders.