Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, recognized the crucial role of agriculture in the country’s economic development. As a result, his government took several initiatives to revolutionize the agricultural sector during his tenure from 1972 to 1975.
Initiative in Agriculture by the government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
One of the most significant initiatives was the formation of the Bangladesh Krishi Bank in 1973. The primary objective of this bank was to provide easy access to credit for farmers to promote agricultural productivity and increase production. The bank’s services included providing loans for the purchase of seeds, fertilizers, and modern agricultural machinery.
Bangabandhu also launched the Intensive Agricultural District Program (IADP) in 1972. The program aimed to increase food production and alleviate poverty in the country’s rural areas. Under this program, the government provided farmers with financial and technical assistance, including the distribution of high-yielding seed varieties, fertilizers, and pesticides. The program also included the construction of roads and irrigation systems to improve accessibility and increase yields.
The government also introduced the Cooperative Movement in Agriculture in Bangladesh in 1972. The program aimed to organize small farmers into cooperatives to help them access better markets, obtain credit facilities, and acquire modern farming techniques. The cooperative societies were provided with technical assistance, marketing support, and training to enhance their productivity and efficiency.
Another crucial initiative was the establishment of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) in 1973. The institute was set up to conduct research on agriculture, develop new crop varieties, and disseminate information about modern farming techniques to farmers across the country. BARI played a significant role in developing high-yielding varieties of rice, wheat, maize, and other crops.
Finally, Bangabandhu’s government introduced the Agricultural Extension Program in 1972 to provide farmers with technical support and training. The program aimed to increase farmers’ awareness of modern farming practices, promote new farming technologies, and increase their productivity and income.
In conclusion, the initiatives taken by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s government in agriculture were instrumental in promoting agricultural development and food security in Bangladesh. The programs aimed to provide farmers with the necessary support to improve productivity, access better markets, and increase their income. The legacy of these initiatives can still be seen in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector today, which remains a vital component of the country’s economy.
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