More farm subsidy demanded

The pre-budget meeting titled 'Agricultural Agreement in World Trade Organisation and Agriculture in Bangladesh, Perspective South Bengal' was jointly organised by an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), Incidin Bangladesh chapter in collaboration with a local NGO, Swadesh.

They called upon the government to take up eco-friendly projects for sustainable development in the southern region.

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Advocary chief of Incidin Bangladesh, Nasimul Ahsan who presented the key note paper told that developed countries assured the developing countries to reduce farm subsidies gradually, but they betrayed the developing countries increasing farm subsidies.

He called upon the government to purchase agri-products from farmers directly by opening purchasing centres to ensure fair price of their produces. This is because the farmers are deprived of fair price during harvesting period every year. He emphasised on formulation of an integrated plan for development of livestock and forest.

"For development of growing shrimp cultivation and its processing in the southern region, the government should take appropriate measures to protect shrimp cultivation, Nasimul Ahsan said.

AKM Ali Azam, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer in his inaugural speech stressed the need for a planned way of shrimp cultivation to protect environment. He urged all to plant trees on embankments in shrimp cultivating areas.

Other speakers suggested for subsidy in shrimp sector. They urged the government to halt pollution of environment due to unplanned shrimp cultivation in the region.

Shrimp cultivator Abdul Gani, trade union leader Sheikh Azhar Hossain, The Daily Star journalist Prof Abu Ahmed, Prof Shamima Nargis, Rifat Amin, Alhaj Din Ali, and Shudhangsu Shekhar Sarkar were the discussants while Swadesh executive director Madhab Chandra Dutta moderated the working session.