The local government minister on Saturday called for the country to prioritise research, innovation and productive enterprise over political debate, saying research and innovation did not receive the attention they deserved.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who holds the local government, rural development and co-operatives portfolio, made the remarks at an event at the Rural Development Academy in Bogura.

Fakhrul said research outcomes must reach the field to raise farmers’ incomes and strengthen the rural economy.

The LGRD minister noted that political discussion dominated national conversation while successes in research and innovation received insufficient attention, even though technologies developed by researchers could play a significant role in boosting agricultural productivity.

He urged the media to give greater prominence to such achievements.

Fakhrul identified the farmer’s most pressing challenge not as production but as securing fair prices for produce.

He stressed the need for expanded research into cold storage, preservation and marketing systems, and called for encouraging private investment in the sector.

The minister also urged young people to become entrepreneurs, arguing that engaging in agriculture-based enterprise, storage and marketing rather than solely chasing jobs would both increase employment and benefit farmers.