As part of the government's development assistance program for agricultural machinery, two non-CIG (Common Interest Group) entrepreneurs have been provided with 1 mini truck each, a battery-powered van, 200 plastic carats and six digital weighing machines at half the price in Pabna’s Ishwardi on Wednesday.
The two entrepreneurs are Md. Sarwar Hossain from Barichara area of Salimpur union of the upazila and Md. Rabiul Islam from Arambaria area of Sara Union. These agricultural inputs are handed over to them at half the current market price.
Ishwardi Upazila of Pabna Department of Agriculture Extension organised the material handover ceremony. These were officially handed over to the entrepreneurs by maintaining social distance in front of the office of the Upazila Agriculture Officer at noon on Wednesday.
According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, the current market value of a mini truck and a battery-powered van is Tk 10.45 lakh. Entrepreneur Md. Sarwar Hossain and Rabiul Islam paid half of the price of 5 lakh 22 thousand 500 taka and the other half was paid by the government as assistance for the development of agricultural machinery. In addition, 200 plastic carats, 6 digital weighing machines were also provided to them.
Ishwardi Upazila Chairman Nuruzzaman Biswas was the chief guest on the occasion. Special guests were UNO Shihab Raihan, Upazila Vice Chairman Abdus Salam Khan.
Ishwardi Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Latif presided over the function. Among others, Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Mostafa Hasan Imam, Upazila Deputy Assistant Plant Protection Officer Ekhlashur Rahman and other officials were present at the time.
Mostafa Hasan Imam, Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer, said two non-CIG entrepreneurs were provided two mini trucks and a battery-powered van at half price under the National Agriculture Technology Program (NATP-2) project as part of the government's development assistance program for agricultural machinery.
In order to implement the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and for the overall convenience of the farmers in agriculture, these materials are being provided to the entrepreneurs at half price. He said the activities will continue.