Two Receive Channel i Agriculture Awards

Govt mulls stimulus package to stem brain drain of agri researchers

Says Matia Chowdhury

9 April 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

Abdul Aziz, a resident of Shariya Boho at Ghatail in Tangail, receives this year's Channel i award for his contribution to popularising fruit cultivation without the use of fertilisers from Faridur Reza Sagar, left, and Shykh Seraj, right.Photo: STAR

The government will offer stimulus package, including special salary structure and extension of retirement age, to stem brain drain of agricultural researchers and scientists, said Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury yesterday. "Most of our agricultural scientists and researchers are going to developed countries for a better professional atmosphere and high standards of living. Our salary structure and other facilities could not hold them back. Now it is time to bring up the issue," she said at the 'Channel i Agriculture Award-2010' giving ceremony. "The government will extend retirement age and offer a special salary structure for those who will conduct researches in the agriculture sector and develop new innovations. The agriculturists with creativity and those who have dedicated their life to the development of agriculture will be rated differently," Matia Chowdhury added. This was the seventh time the Channel i gave the award to farmers for their outstanding contribution to the agriculture sector. Besides, the Channel i introduced 'lifetime achievement award' this year for contribution to agricultural research, invention and its utilisation at field level. Abdul Aziz, a resident of Shariya Boho at Ghatail in Tangail, received this year's Channel i award for his contribution to popularising fruit cultivation without the use of fertilisers. The 'lifetime achievement award' went to Kazi M Badruddoza. The awards were given at a colourful ceremony at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. Speaking on the occasion, Shykh Seraj, director and head of news of Channel i, said, "Farmers will not get the fair price of their produces unless the prices are fixed. The fact should be realised by all, including the government. The present situation over the price of produces would not have been created, if the agro-based industry had been developed in the country." He also stressed the need to ensure rural development for the balanced development in all sectors. Award winner Abdul Aziz, a natural scientist, said, "If we can grow fruits without using fertilisers and pesticides, the fruits will also work as medicine for us and prevent many diseases. We will be able to build a golden Bangladesh by exporting such fruits." He also suggested ensuring proper use of every inch of land through cultivating fruit. "We have to help protect birds. Birds are the friends of farmers. Birds eat insects that attack fruit varieties,” said Aziz, who popularised fruit cultivation in his area by supplying fruits and fruit plants to locals for free over the years. Kazi M Badruddoza, who received the lifetime achievement award, said, "Bangladesh means the land of agriculture and farmers. It is the farmers who make it sure that such a large population of our country get food everyday." Besides, six people were also awarded in two categories in an essay competition on agriculture, climate change challenges, and efforts taken by the governments since independence for the development of agriculture sectors. The awardees are Prof Begum Saidunnesa Laila, Anisur Rahman, Selina Sayeda Sultana Akter, Aleya Rahat, ANM Ashrafuddin and Ismail Hossain. A total of 1470 entries were submitted for the essay competition. A book titled 'Peoples Voice-5' containing 100 selected essays was also launched at the programme. Industries Minister Dilip Barua, Food and Disaster Management Minister Abdur Razzaque, former agriculture adviser CS Karim, Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury, Channel i Managing Director Faridur Reza Sagar, cultural personality Mamunur Rashid and litterateur Selina Hossain were present at the ceremony.