Matia calls for use of potato starch in RMG

Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury on Sunday urged the scientists of the country to innovate ways to use starch derived from potato in the readymade garments (RMG) industry. 

The minister came up with the call while speaking as the special guest at the opening ceremony of three-day National Vegetable Fair 2018 at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium. 

Referring to good harvest of potatoes in the country, she emphasised on multiple usage of this product and added that use of potato starch in RMG sector will contribute to country's economy. 

Terming introduction of hybrid vegetables and food crops as a prudent decision taken by the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, agriculture minister said that because of that decision, yearlong production of vegetables is now made possible in the country, which was not the case before.  

"Because of the hybrid production system, year-long food production has become a common matter now" said Matia adding that the National Vegetable Fair aims to introduce consumers with new types of vegetables.

The minister said, "due to the advantage of the country's weather, vegetables and staple food can be produced all-round the year unlike many countries". 

Meanwhile, Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan, who spoke as the chief guest, said year-long vegetable cultivation needs to be emphasized as it can play significant role in country's economy, nutrition, health and women empowerment. 

Senior Secretary of Agriculture Ministry Md Moinuddin Abdullah, Director General of Agricultural Extension Department Md Abdul Aziz, Vice Chancellor of Patuakhali University of Science and Technology Prof Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid were present, among others. 

A total of 104 types of vegetables are being exhibited in 82 stalls and four pavilions, among which 60 types are hilly vegetables. This year, 56 institutions took part in the fair.

Source: unb