Deputy commissioner (DC) of Jhenaidah SM Rafiqul Islam urged the farmers to boost the production of tuber crops to help attain self-sufficiency in local vegetables, nutrition and to prepare for export considering its global demand.
He said it might help build Smart Bangladesh as desired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
SM Rafiqul Islam came up with the assertion while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of three-day tuber crop fair held on Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila Parishad premises on Wednesday.
The programme was presided over by Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Razia Akter Chowdhury.
The DC said potato, the most popular and important tuber crop, is well known globally for its potential to the people. Some of our traditional varieties like Mete Aloo or Gachh Allo, aurum, reddish, carrot, etc. have been playing role to meet vegetable demands in the country.
Moreover, it is being considered to export some tuber crops in abroad which will bring foreign currency. He advised the farmers to avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides. He also asked them to apply locally produced organic fertilizer to save the soil from its continuous degradation. Later, he inaugurated the fair releasing balloons in the sky.
Deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Sasti Chandra Roy, Upazila Agricultural Officer (UAO) Nur E Nabi, Additional Agricultural Officer Junayed Habib, among others, were present.
Various tuber crops were displayed at 20 stalls in the fair. The fair will to be continued until Friday afternoon.
