Fisheries and Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said the government is prioritizing research-based agricultural development to counter the risk of reduced farm output caused by climate change. He made the remarks on Saturday after a meeting with officials of district offices and agencies under the agriculture, fisheries and livestock ministries at the Cumilla Circuit House.

The minister said BRRI dhan-118, a cold-tolerant rice variety for the haor region, will be released in the next season. It is expected to allow earlier planting and harvesting, helping farmers bring crops home before sudden floods and reduce losses. He also said another salt-tolerant rice variety will be released next year, while scientists at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute continue work on climate-suitable crop varieties.

Rashid said fish-export prospects through the Cumilla land port would be considered after discussions with the commerce minister. Authorities will assess the need for a fish landing station in Cumilla and the availability of suitable public land. He also cited a major project to expand vaccine production, ongoing canal re-excavation, and seed, farm-input and free livestock vaccination support in flood-affected areas.