Agriculture touches every part of our lives, but it has never been officially recognized at the government level. While sectors such as garments are often seen as the backbone of the economy, agriculture remains stuck in a traditional framework. It has to be officially recognized as one of the key drivers of the country’s economic growth.
Professor Dr. A K Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), made these comments on Monday (May 5) during the opening session titled “Food Security and Fairness for Farmers” at the “Agriculture, Food Security & Living Nature Conference 2025,” organized by Bonik Barta at the Grand Ballroom of Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka.
Dr. A K Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan highlighted that both farmers and agricultural experts are playing a crucial role in boosting productivity, driving economic progress, and ensuring food security. “Farmers meet the country’s food demand by growing crops in the fields, producing food, and raising livestock. On the other hand, agricultural experts support them through research and innovation,” he said.
He also pointed out how perceptions around farming are changing. “People once hesitated to call themselves farmers, but now it’s becoming a matter of pride. Still, this profession is losing manpower.”
Calling for stronger support, Dr. Bhuiyan said public and private institutions need to step up and stand beside farmers. “Agricultural universities, as hubs of agricultural education, are not only producing skilled graduates but also innovating tools and techniques that directly benefit farmers,” he said. “While these graduates are supporting farmers in different ways, we also need more government initiatives. Besides, the private sector must play its part too.”
The session was moderated by Bonik Barta’s Editor and Publisher, Dewan Hanif Mahmud. Farida Akhtar, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, joined as the Chief Guest. Other special guests included Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture; Dr. Jahangir Alam, former Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute; Mohammad Mustafa Haider, Director of T.K. Group; Dr. F.H. Ansarey, President of ACI Agribusiness; and KSM Mostafizur Rahman, Managing Director of National Agricare Group.