Agriculture minister assures support to expand agro processing sector
PRAN, one of the largest agro-processors in the country, has started mango collection and pulping activities to manufacture mango drink, juice, mango bar and other food items. Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque inaugurated the activities through video conference from his official residence in Dhaka on Saturday.
PRAN is collecting and pulping the mango in its plants of PRAN Agro Ltd factory in Natore and Barind (Varendra) Industrial Park (BIP) in Rajshahi. This year, the conglomerates is collecting mangoes from the farmers of Rajshahi, Natore, Chapai Nawabganj, Naogaon, Dinajpur, Meherpur and Satkhira. After receiving the mangoes, pulp is being produced in its two plants following aseptic technology. From the pulp, mango juice, drinks and mango bar are being produced.
Joining the program through video conference, Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque praised PRAN Group to see the massive activities of mango collection and processing using modern technology. He said “If it was possible to show this program to the people of the country, they could realize the hard work of our farmers during this difficult time to keep the wheel of the economy of the country moving.”
Mentioning the role of PRAN group in the country’s agro-processing sector, the minister said that PRAN is the pioneer of the agro processing sector. Now many companies have come forward which are playing important role of the country’s economic development and creating employment.
He also said that the role of agriculture is very important in the economy of Bangladesh. Agriculture is involved with every part of life and the sector is very important for the government. The government has taken various steps for the development of the sector.
Through video conference, Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman and CEO of PRAN-RFL Group, said, the government and private sector have to work together for the economic development of the country. The government has taken various steps during corona which is praiseworthy.
He also said, “We set up the factory installing latest technology so that customers can drink fresh mango juice and drink. For the reason, we have set up factory in the area which is famous for mango production. As a result, farmers can easily sale their mangoes in our factories.”
About the mango collection activities, Eleash Mridha, Managing Director of PRAN Group, said, “In first phase, we are purchasing guti mango and it will continue till first week of July. After this, we will collect Ashwani varieties until the supply of mango.”
Agriculture Secretary Md. Nasiruzzaman also spoke through video conference. Omor Faruk Chowdhury, Member of Parliament of Rajshahi-1 constituency, Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Upazila Chairman of Godagari, Sudhendra Nath Roy, Additional Director, Department of Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi Divisional office and Shamsul Haque, Deputy Director of Department of Agricultural Extension of Rajshahi district, were present at the inauguration program held at BIP.
– Press release
