Bogura: Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today called for greater emphasis on research, innovation and productive activities, saying these should receive higher priority than political debate to accelerate rural development and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 36th Annual Planning Conference-2026 as the chief guest at the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogura, according to a Press Information Department (PID) release.
The minister said the outcomes of research must reach the grassroots level so that farmers can directly benefit from new technologies, increase their incomes and contribute to a stronger rural economy.
Before the conference, Fakhrul visited a green technology exhibition organised by the RDA and planted a Burmese grape sapling on the academy premises.
Research Should Drive Development
Fakhrul observed that political discussions often dominate public discourse, while achievements in research and innovation receive comparatively little attention.
He said technologies developed by researchers have the potential to significantly increase agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ living standards, urging the media to give greater coverage to such innovations.
“The achievements of researchers deserve wider publicity because their innovations can make a meaningful contribution to agricultural development,” he said.
Fair Prices and Better Market Systems
The minister said the greatest challenge facing farmers is not production but ensuring fair prices for their agricultural products.
He stressed the need for expanded research on cold storage facilities, preservation technologies and efficient marketing systems to reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ returns.
He also called for increased private-sector investment in these areas to strengthen the agricultural value chain.
Youth Urged to Become Entrepreneurs
Encouraging young people to explore entrepreneurship, Fakhrul said they should look beyond conventional employment opportunities and engage in agriculture-based businesses, food preservation and marketing ventures.
Such initiatives, he said, would create employment, promote innovation and deliver greater benefits to farmers and the rural economy.
The conference was chaired by Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Mohammad Showkat Rashid Chowdhury.
Among those present were Bogura-5 lawmaker Golam Mohammad Siraj, Bogura-1 lawmaker Kazi Rafiqul Islam, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md Ehsanul Haque, and senior government officials.
