BOGURA : LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said research, innovation and productive activities should be given priority instead of political debate.

The outcomes of research must reach the field level to increase farmers’ income and further strengthen the rural economy, he said. 

The minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the “36th Annual Planning Conference-2026” as the chief guest at the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogura, said a PID release. 

Earlier, he visited the green technology exhibition developed by the RDA and planted a sapling of a Burmese grape tree.

The minister said although political discussions dominate in the country, the achievements in research and innovation do not receive due importance, even though technologies developed by researchers can play a significant role in increasing farmers’ productivity.

He called upon the media to highlight such achievements more extensively.

He said the biggest problem facing farmers is not production, but ensuring fair prices for their produce.

The minister also stressed increasing research on the development of cold storage, preservation and marketing systems alongside encouraging private investment in the sector.

Urging young people to become entrepreneurs, the minister further said that instead of only pursuing jobs, they should engage in agriculture-based initiatives as well as preservation and marketing systems, which would create employment opportunities while benefiting farmers.

Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary Mohammad Showkat Rashid Chowdhury chaired the function, which was attended, among others, by Bogura-5 lawmaker Golam Mohammad Siraj, Bogura-1 lawmaker Kazi Rafiqul Islam, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md Ehsanul Haque and other concerned officials.