Tech, innovation crucial for agro-industrial growth

Agricultural products must be transformed into value-added agro-industrial products in order to transition from an agriculture-based economy to an industrial one, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said yesterday. “Achieving this transformation requires the effective integration of technology, innovation, and knowledge,” the minister said at the award ceremony of the Bangladesh Agro-Industry Media Award 2025, organised by Pran-RFL Group, at the MCCI Conference Hall of Police Plaza Concord in Dhaka.

“It will strengthen domestic markets, enhance export competitiveness, and contribute significantly to economic growth,” he also said, adding that investigative journalism can play a crucial role in promoting the development of the agriculture and agro-processing sectors.

“I believe that journalists’ investigative reports will not only inspire entrepreneurs to explore new opportunities but also help the government formulate more effective agriculture- and industry-friendly policies,” he said.

Referring to the government’s development agenda, the minister said, “Our government was elected through a credible electoral process. Before assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman declared, ‘I have a plan.’ Today, that vision has evolved into ‘We have a plan,’ with agriculture occupying a central place in our national development strategy.”

He also highlighted the government’s decision to waive interest on agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 shortly after taking office.

“At a time when the country faces substantial domestic and external debt obligations, along with nearly Tk 600,000 crore in non-performing loans, this initiative carries considerable strategic importance,” he said.

Calling on the media to focus greater attention on the sector, Swapan urged journalists to produce more in-depth reports on the opportunities and challenges facing the agriculture and agro-processing industries.

“Such reporting can contribute to more informed policymaking. As the information minister, I will make every effort to compile these reports and ensure they reach the relevant policymakers,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Pran Group Managing Director Ilias Mridha described agro-processing as one of Bangladesh’s most promising industries.

“In a country where agriculture remains a key pillar of the economy, the agro-processing sector can make an even greater contribution to economic development if supported by the right policies and direction,” he said.

“It also has the potential to emerge as one of the country’s leading export sectors after the ready-made garment industry,” he added.

Mridha said the award aims to encourage journalists to explore and highlight both the opportunities and challenges within Bangladesh’s agro-processing industry.

Among others present at the event were Hasan Hafiz, president of the National Press Club and editor of the Bangla daily Kaler Kantho, and Kamruzzaman Kamal, marketing director of Pran-RFL Group.

In the print media category, awards were given to Sukanta Halder, staff reporter at The Daily Star, and Rafikul Islam and M Munir Hossain of The Daily Sun.

In the television category, the winners were Delowar Hossain Dolon of Channel 24 and Rakib Hossain of Ekattor TV.

In the online media category, the award winners were Nazmul Hossain of Jagonews24.com and Shariful Rukon of Ekusheypatrika.com.

The winners were selected by a three-member jury board based on special reports focusing on the agro-processing sector.

The jury board members were Professor Robaet Ferdous of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka; Khurshid Ahmad Farhad, general manager of Bombay Sweets & Co Ltd; and Mohammad Touhidul Islam, director of outreach and communication at Transparency International Bangladesh.

Introduced for the first time by Pran Group, the Bangladesh Agro-Industry Media Award aims to recognise journalists whose reporting contributes to greater awareness, innovation, and development within Bangladesh’s agriculture and agro-processing industries.