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Agri sector still at subsistence level

Study says

STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Lack of awareness, suitable varieties and shortage of fund are the main impediments to reach the optimal level of production in agricultural sector from its subsistence level, said a study.
It said contract farming, crop diversification and donor assistance are needed for the development of farming sector.
The findings of the study on 'Crop Sector Development and Diversification' were placed at a workshop in the city yesterday.
The Survey Research Group of Bangladesh (SRGB) conducted the study from June 2004 to March this year in seven fields of agricultural sector with the assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).
On the development of agroindustries, the study said it needs
policy support, coordination among the involved ministries and government agencies, and financial credit on easy terms and conditions.
On the improvement of agricultural marketing system, the study recommended more infrastructural facilities for perishables and strengthening of agricultural marketing department.
On soil degradation, the research findings said due to extensive mono-cropping, deforestation, increase of salinity, unbalanced use of fertilizers and Jhum cultivation, the soil is losing its fertility.
Japanese Ambassador Matsushiro Horiguchi at the inaugural session said to curb poverty in Bangladesh, effective linkage between agriculture and rural development is extremely important as a large percentage of rural people still live below poverty line.
A favourable environment for
agricultural production is needed to raise its existing subsistence level to a more diversified commercial level, he added.
Syed Ataur Rahman, additional secretary of the agriculture ministry, said the country's agricultural sector is still at subsistence level.
Farmers are deprived of real price of their products due to lack of proper market infrastructure, he added. He sought further Japanese assistance in this sector.
Akio Aria, resident representative of Jica Bangladesh, also spoke.
Prof Shah Mohammad Farouk, team leader of the study, presented the report.
Later, a technical session was held on the findings with Prof Muzaffer Ahmad in the chair.
Experts from about 40 government and non-government organisations took part in the discussion.