It will be possible to ensure safe food for all in the next three to four years, said Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzque.
"The present government is working tirelessly to ensure safe food for all. That is why the Safe Food Act has been enacted, the Safe Food Authority has been formed. Work is underway to increase the capacity of the Safe Food Authority. In addition, many international standard labs have already been set up and many more are being set up.”
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at the Shadow Parliament on Saturday morning at FDC in the capital on the government's ‘Appropriate steps to ensure safe food’ organized by Debate for Democracy on the occasion of National Safe Food Day on Saturday.
Mentioning that safe food should also be ensured in case of export, the minister further said, “Efforts are being made to produce safe crops. Production activities have already started in accordance with good agricultural practices. If crops are produced in compliance with this, exports will increase as food will be safe and nutritious. Work is underway to set up an international standard packing house and lab in Purbachal. As a result of these steps of the government, we will be able to ensure safe food for all in the next three to four years.”
“In order to ensure safe and nutritious food, the income of the common man must also be increased. If income cannot be increased, if quality of life cannot be improved, the incidence of adulterated and unsafe food will increase. Therefore, the government is taking and implementing effective initiatives of mechanization, commercialization and processing of agriculture to increase the income of the people and improve the living standards of the large rural agricultural population. Emphasis is being placed on increasing the export of agricultural products and producing high value crops,” added the minister.
Chairman of Debate for Democracy Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran presided over the function. He made 10 recommendations to ensure safe food. Hasan Ahmed Kiran emphasized on proper implementation of the law and raising public awareness. Debaters from Dhaka International University and BRAC University participated in the debate.