The Executive Director of Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha met with the Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Meherpur, to discuss the potential and initiatives for cultivating alternative crops to tobacco.
During the discussion, they highlighted the negative impacts of tobacco farming on soil fertility, the environment, and farmers’ livelihoods. Emphasis was placed on the importance of aligning with the government’s vision for a tobacco-free Bangladesh by 2040, with the agriculture department playing a key role in this mission.
The meeting proposed launching a pilot project under the guidance of the Department of Agricultural Extension to promote alternative crop cultivation. The initiative would involve local farmers and NGOs working collaboratively to implement sustainable agricultural practices.
Additionally, a request was made to the agricultural department to ensure timely availability of fertilizers according to farmers’ needs in Meherpur district.
