Dhaka, May 21, 2026: Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs State Minister Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin has called for ensuring fair prices for agricultural products produced by farmers in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) by factoring in the hardships and transportation costs involved in bringing goods to market.
Speaking as the chief guest at a meeting organized by the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), the state minister emphasized that farmers in the hilly regions face severe transportation challenges due to difficult terrain and inadequate communication systems.
“They bring their products to market through immense hardship. Therefore, the additional transportation costs and suffering involved in carrying these products should be considered while determining fair purchase prices,” he said.
The meeting, held at the conference room of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, focused on the “Modernization of Agricultural Supply Chain Management in Rural Areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts” project and the proposal to establish a BARD outreach center in the region. The session was chaired by Ministry Secretary Mohammad Mizanur Rahman.
Barrister Mir Helal described the proposed project as a timely and important initiative aimed at modernizing the marketing system for fruits and vegetables produced in the hill districts. He noted that BARD’s decision to begin the initiative as a pilot research project rather than implementing it on a large scale immediately reflects a realistic and forward-looking strategy.
The state minister expressed hope that BARD would play a significant role in improving the socio-economic conditions of people engaged in productive sectors of the hill region by developing a cooperative-based agricultural supply chain model. He stressed the need for effective coordination among government agencies and stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of the initiative.
At the meeting, BARD Director General Saifuddin Ahmed presented an overview of the project, while Director Fauzia Nasrin Sultana presented the concept paper.
Officials said the project aims to reduce post-harvest losses of agricultural products in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, ensure fair prices for farmers, and create young agri-entrepreneurs. Through a modern and technology-driven supply chain system, the project seeks to increase farmers’ income and improve their living standards sustainably.
Under the initiative, a blockchain-based supply chain management system is planned to ensure transparency and fair pricing of agricultural products. Around 950 farmers will receive training on organic farming and export-quality agricultural production, while 50 young agricultural entrepreneurs will be trained under apprenticeship programs on cooperative-based supply chain management and marketing.
The project also includes plans to encourage savings-based financial inclusion among farmers, provide cooperative savings support, and conduct awareness programs to improve the quality of life of farmers and young entrepreneurs.
The meeting also discussed a research proposal regarding the establishment of a BARD outreach center in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to identify local rural development challenges and conduct practical research activities. However, no immediate decision was taken, and the proposal will be reviewed further in the future.
Participants at the meeting described the project as a practical and timely initiative that could help establish a modern, technology-driven, and effective marketing system for farmers in the hill districts, ensuring fair prices, market expansion, and sustainable development.
