The three-day 14th International Agricultural Technology Fair 2026 has begun in Dhaka, showcasing modern agricultural technologies and machinery from home and abroad.

The fair, organized at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), will continue until November 7. State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam formally inaugurated the event on Thursday morning.

The Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogura, and Limra Trade Fairs and Exhibitions jointly organized the event. Around 250 companies from 12 countries are showcasing modern agricultural technologies, machinery, food processing and preservation systems.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, State Minister Mir Shah Alam emphasized modernizing agriculture and increasing the use of advanced machinery to reduce production costs and improve farmers’ living standards.

He said the government was working to recognize farmers’ contributions and enhance the facilities and status of researchers.

The state minister also noted that irrigation through underground pipelines had already helped save 40 percent of water. He stressed the need to reduce excessive fertilizer use and promote organic fertilizers.

Regarding the energy crisis, he said the government had decided to drill 52 new gas wells to address the gas shortage accumulated over the past 20 years. New gas reserves had already been discovered in Bhola, Noakhali and Titas.

He also said initiatives were underway to establish starch-producing factories using surplus potatoes from the northern region. The move is expected to help save foreign currency.

In addition, the government plans to reopen Bogura Airport to facilitate the direct export of potatoes and vegetables to international markets.

RDA Director General Abdul Majid Pramanik and Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Dr. Rafiqul E. Mohamed were also present at the ceremony.

They highlighted the importance of such exhibitions in bringing research innovations to farmers at the grassroots level and promoting sustainable agricultural development.