Agri-heroes honoured

A potato grower from Jessore and a female dairy farmer from Chuadanga were among those honoured last night for their contribution to the country’s agricultural sector.
Standard Chartered Bank, in association with Bangladesh Brand Forum, handed out awards in seven categories to individuals and institutions for excellence in agriculture.
Farmer of the Year (Male) award went to Billal Shikdar, a farmer from Jessore, who started cultivating potatoes on just two katha of land and now earns a yearly profit of Tk  8.5 lakh.
Farmer of the Year (Female) award was given to Fatema Zohora of Chuadanga for her outstanding contribution to dairy, livestock, vegetable and fruit farming.
“The creative satisfaction that I get from farming, I might not get from other jobs,” said Fatema, who has an MA degree in economics.
Agriculture minister Matia Chowdhury presented the awards to the winners at a ceremony held at the Westin Hotel in the capital. Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman was also present at the function.
Lal Teer Seed Ltd, a seed company that develops, produces and markets high-yielding seeds, received the ‘Best Associated Industry in Innovation & Research’ award. The ‘Best Associated Industry in Support & Execution’ award went to BRAC, while ‘Best Agricultural Exporter’ was given to Seamark Group, one of the largest processor and exporter of seafood from Bangladesh. Amar Des Amar Gram and Vermicompost Group respectively won the ‘Best Use of Technology in Agriculture’ and ‘Farmer of the Year (Subsistence Market Farming) awards.
“Growth in the country’s agricultural sector is significant, despite some natural calamities. Subsistence agriculture is now transforming into commercial agriculture. We are becoming a middle-income country and we must lead with food security and nutrition,” said Matia Chowdhury.
Atiur Rahman said despite challenges of climate change and a growing population, the agricultural sector has shown a remarkable growth and resilience to support an annual GDP growth of 6 per cent and more.
“Farmers are the real heroes. If they can thrive, the country will survive. Scientists, economists and bankers must be with them,” the central bank chief said.

Agri-heroes honoured

A potato grower from Jessore and a female dairy farmer from Chuadanga were among those honoured last night for their contribution to the countrys agricultural sector. Standard Chartered Bank, in association with Bangladesh Brand Forum, handed out awards in seven categories to individuals and institutions for excellence in agriculture. Farmer of the Year (Male) award went to Billal Shikdar, a farmer from Jessore, who started cultivating potatoes on just two katha of land and now earns a yearly profit of Tk 8.5 lakh. Farmer of the Year (Female) award was given to Fatema Zohora of Chuadanga for her outstanding contribution to dairy, livestock, vegetable and fruit farming. The creative satisfaction that I get from farming, I might not get from other jobs, said Fatema, who has an MA degree in economics. Agriculture minister Matia Chowdhury presented the awards to the winners at a ceremony held at the Westin Hotel in the capital. Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman was also present at the function. Lal Teer Seed Ltd, a seed company that develops, produces and markets high-yielding seeds, received the Best Associated Industry in Innovation Research award. The Best Associated Industry in Support Execution award went to BRAC, while Best Agricultural Exporter was given to Seamark Group, one of the largest processor and exporter of seafood from Bangladesh. Amar Des Amar Gram and Vermicompost Group respectively won the Best Use of Technology in Agriculture and Farmer of the Year (Subsistence Market Farming) awards. Growth in the countrys agricultural sector is significant, despite some natural calamities. Subsistence agriculture is now transforming into commercial agriculture. We are becoming a middle-income country and we must lead with food security and nutrition, said Matia Chowdhury. Atiur Rahman said despite challenges of climate change and a growing population, the agricultural sector has shown a remarkable growth and resilience to support an annual GDP growth of 6 per cent and more. Farmers are the real heroes. If they can thrive, the country will survive. Scientists, economists and bankers must be with them, the central bank chief said.