President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday called for increasing investment in agricultural research, ensuring fair prices for paddy produced by the farmers and improving facilities for agricultural scientists.

“Significant benefits can be achieved through investment in agricultural research. So investment in research must be increased to further boost agricultural production in the country, while ensuring a conducive working environment and better facilities for agricultural scientists,” he said.

The president made the remarks while addressing a view-exchange meeting as the chief guest during his visit to the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) this afternoon.

He said Bangladesh faced a much larger population and significant food shortages after independence.

“The country has now achieved a surplus in food production, with the contributions of agricultural scientists in developing high-yielding rice varieties being one of the key reasons behind this success,” he added.

“The use of technology in agriculture is increasing, while machinery for rice planting, harvesting and weed control has brought significant changes to farming,” he added.

The president expressed concern over farmers’ failure to receive fair prices for their paddy.

“Farmers often fail to recover even their production costs by selling paddy. As a result, their interest in rice cultivation was declining, prompting them to shift to alternative crops. Rice production is crucial to ensuring the country's food security,” he added.

He called for providing subsidies where necessary to encourage farmers to cultivate rice.

He also stressed continuing agricultural research and technological development to increase food production in line with population growth.

He called on the private sector to play an important role in rice research internationally. “Initiatives must be taken to increase private investment in rice research in the country, and the government must ensure adequate funding for research,” he said.

On improving facilities for agricultural scientists, the president said, “Scientists are making significant contributions to society through their research. Alongside improving their working environment, appropriate pay structures and pension benefits must be ensured.”

Describing the denial of pension benefits to scientists after retirement as inhumane, he urged the relevant authorities to resolve the issue with utmost care.

“People involved in agricultural research and production must be valued properly. As society benefits from the research conducted by agricultural scientists, the government has a responsibility to encourage them and ensure the necessary facilities,” he added.

Agriculture Minister, the Agriculture Ministry Secretary and the BRRI Director General spoke at the event, titled “BRRI’s Contribution to Food Security and Future Plans.”

Administrative officials present included the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner, Dhaka Range Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police.

Earlier, the president visited BRRI’s innovation stalls, gene bank, technologies, research fields and other facilities after arriving at BRRI premises around 12:30 pm.

Before leaving BRRI, the president inaugurated BARI’s 56th founding anniversary programme by releasing balloons and cutting a cake in front of BARI Dormitory-2. A smartly turned-out contingent of Bangladesh Police then accorded him a farewell Guard of Honour.