Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for greater emphasis on research, innovation and productive activities instead of political debate. Speaking as chief guest at the opening of the 36th Annual Planning Conference 2026 at the Rural Development Academy in Bogura on Saturday, he said research outcomes must reach farmers to raise their incomes and further strengthen the rural economy.

Before the event, the minister visited an RDA-developed green technology exhibition and planted a lotkon sapling. He said research and innovation achievements do not receive adequate attention despite frequent discussions of politics. Technologies developed by researchers can play an important role in increasing farmers’ productivity, he said, urging the media to give wider coverage to such successes.

Alamgir said farmers’ main problem is not production but ensuring fair prices for their goods. He stressed more research to improve cold storage, preservation and marketing systems, alongside encouragement for private investment in those sectors. He also urged young people to pursue agriculture-based enterprises, preservation and marketing rather than focusing only on jobs, saying this would increase employment and benefit farmers.