The government has begun work on agricultural economic zones in Joypurhat and Bogura to link farming in northern Bangladesh with export industry. Taraponi mouza in Khetlal upazila of Joypurhat and Talora municipality in Dupchanchia upazila of Bogura are being considered first.
The decision was taken at a review meeting at the Secretariat chaired by Agriculture Secretary Md Selim Khan. A feasibility study will first examine the land and infrastructure at the proposed sites. The agriculture ministry will draft its terms of reference with help from Invest Bangladesh, and a development project proposal (DPP) will follow the study’s report.
Under the plan, the zones would bring together the production, collection, storage, processing, packaging and export of farm produce. Modern cold stores, sorting and quality control centres, food processing plants and laboratories are also planned.
Joypurhat and Bogura were picked first for their farm output, markets and transport links. Joypurhat grows rice, potato, maize, mustard and vegetables; Bogura grows rice, potato, maize, vegetables and fruit and is an important trading hub.
The meeting also agreed to assess whether a zone could be built on 217.78 acres of non-agricultural state land allotted to the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority in Panchagarh, for which Invest Bangladesh’s written consent will be sought. Land records in Gaibandha, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi and other northern districts are also under review.
Saleh Ahmed, a member (additional secretary) of Invest Bangladesh, told the meeting that the sites should be studied before any land is finalised, possibly by IIFC or MIST. The agriculture secretary said the aim is not just factories but a working farm-based economy that brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, investors and exporters.
Officials involved say such zones would let more produce reach the market processed rather than raw, cut waste, and open new chances for fair prices, investment and jobs. The report was first published by Khaborer Kagoj.
Photo: Hridoye Mati O Manush / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Source: Agricare24
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