Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said there is no alternative to modern agricultural technology to sustain agriculture and multiply productivity in the technology-driven world of the 21st century.

“In an agriculture-dependent Bangladesh, the survival of farmers means the survival of the country,” he said in a message issued on Wednesday marking the 14th International Agricultural Technology Fair 2026, scheduled to begin on Thursday.

The Prime Minister said combining traditional agricultural knowledge with modern technology would not only increase productivity but also ensure the country’s food security while maintaining environmental balance. It would also encourage the younger generation to become interested in agriculture as entrepreneurs.

Agriculture is one of the main driving forces of Bangladesh’s economy, he said, adding that farmers and the agricultural sector make invaluable contributions to food security, rural economic development, employment generation and sustainable development.

Transforming agriculture into a modern, technology-driven, profitable and climate-resilient sector is one of the government’s key priorities, Tarique Rahman said. To achieve this goal, modern technology must reach farmers’ doorsteps, production costs must be reduced, fair prices for agricultural products must be ensured, and agro-based industries and entrepreneurship must be promoted.

Against this backdrop, the 14th International Agricultural Technology Fair 2026 is being jointly organised by the Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogura, and Limra Trade Fairs and Exhibitions Private Limited at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka from November 5 to 7.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that the event would help establish effective connections among agricultural researchers, technology innovators, investors, entrepreneurs and farmers. It would also contribute positively to attracting new investments, facilitating technology transfer and promoting agro-based industries.

He said the fair would play an important role in showcasing innovations and exchanging experiences in various agricultural fields, including modern farm machinery, improved seeds, food processing, crop preservation, dairy and poultry production, and renewable energy.

The Prime Minister said the people remain at the centre of the government’s development philosophy. In line with its electoral manifesto, the government is placing importance on providing agricultural input assistance through Farmers’ Cards, easy-term loans, agricultural insurance, and expanded storage and marketing facilities for agricultural products.

He added that initiatives had also been taken to involve young people in modern agricultural technology, technical skills and innovative ventures to unlock new opportunities in the sector.

The government’s goal is to build an agricultural system where farmers receive fair returns for their labour, production becomes more profitable, and the rural economy grows prosperous and self-reliant, he said.

Through the prosperity of farmers and agriculture, the government aims to build a self-reliant, productive and prosperous Bangladesh, the Prime Minister added.

Tarique Rahman wished the 14th International Agricultural Technology Fair 2026 every success.