Solar-powered irrigation project launched

Power crisis hindering economic growth: BB governor
Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman on Saturday said power and energy crisis was creating obstacle on the way of targeted economic growth of the country.
The country can achieve two per cent more economic growth if sufficient energy and power supply can be ensured, he said while inaugurating a project for irrigation using solar power at Kumrakhali-Fultala village in Barguna sadar.
The Tk 38 lakh solar irrigation system project of the Resource Development Foundation was financed by the Mutual Trust Bank while Rahim Afroz provided the technical cooperation.
Eighty three farmers through 48 solar panels worth Tk 11.48 lakh will lift about eight lakh litres of water by using water pumps run by solar power for irrigating 40 acres of land everyday.
Besides the irrigation cost, the rest of the amount was spent for seed bed, labour, cultivation, plantation, fertilisation, pesticides.
The solar irrigation project will bring down the overall cultivation cost to one-fifth, sources said.
Speaking on the occasion the BB governor emphasised on finding and developing eco-friendly and cost effective alternative energy resource and technology.
‘Finding and successfully using low-cost, environment friendly alternative energy source is a must for our sustainable national development,’ he said.
Atiur also stressed on introducing regional potentiality based rural banking by changing mindset for balanced regional economic development in the country.
He reminded that the government during the current fiscal year will distribute agricultural loan of Tk 12,000 crore and the central bank’s policy in this regard will be announced on July 24.
The BB governor also laid the foundation of a 9-storied office building of RDF at Police Line Road of Barguna town.
The ceremony, presided over by RDF president Imranul Huq Chowdhury, was also addressed among others by Awami League lawmakers Dhirendra Devnath Shamvu and Golam Sabur Tulu, BB deputy governor Murshid Kuli Khan, Barguna municipal mayor Shahjahan Mia and upazila chairman Abdul Khalek.
Senior officials of Mitual Trust Bank, NCC Bank, Shahjalal Islami Bank, Rupali Bank, Rahim Afroz Limited and district administration were present on the occasion.

Courtesy of NewAge