Do we need an agro policy?
Photo: SHAFIQ ISLAM / DRIKNEWS
Nearly six years back the Ministry of Agriculture had formed a technical working group comprising experts under the convenorship of the then Additional Secretary (PPC) Dr. Syed Naquib Muslim to formulate a draft National Agriculture Policy by updating and improving the previous one of 90s. Accordingly the group worked hard to prepare a pragmatic agriculture policy by incorporating all the segments relating to agricultural activities and development. A series of meetings were held with the representatives of various public and private organisations associated with agricultural matters. Even the present Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury also took keen interest in formulating an up-to-date farmers' welfare oriented National Agriculture Policy. The draft policy was ventilated by print and electronic media for public opinion. Several inter-ministerial meetings were held to update the draft policy. A number of Additional Secretaries worked as convenors. A few months back the final draft was approved by the technical working group under the convenership of Additional Secretary A.Z.M. Shafiqul Alam (who has also left MOA for taking up his new assignment). Still the Draft National Agriculture Policy is awaiting final approval!
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