22 people are receiving Agriculture Important Person (AIP) Award-2021. In the light of AIP Policy-2019, they have been selected in 5 categories in recognition of their significant contribution in the field of agriculture.
Three persons have been selected as AIPs in the category of Agricultural Organizations recognized or registered by the Government. They are Shaikh Siraj, Managing Director of Channel I, a distinguished media personality for his important contribution to agricultural development through various programs on agriculture, Sahela Abedin, founder of Chattogram-based organization Tilottama, as an environmental organizer, and Shikha Rani Chakraborty, president of Satkhira's Dandiya CIG Women's Cooperative Society, as a cooperative entrepreneur.
The people selected in the variety or technology innovation category are - ACI Agribusiness President AKM Farayezul Haque Ansari, Cumilla's Daudkandi Upazila farmer MA Matin, owner of Janata Engineering for agricultural mechanization, Md. Oli Ullah and Fakirhat Upazila Chairman Swapan Kumar Das of Bagerhat for using organic pesticides.
10 people have become AIPs in agricultural production, commercial farm establishment and agro processing industries. They are the agricultural entrepreneur of Madhupur of Tangail district for the cultivation of high quality fruits Sanowar Hossain, Shahida Begum, owner of Khan Bij Bhandar, Faridpur for onion seed cultivation, Sureshwar Mallik, agricultural entrepreneur of Dumuria, Khulna, for best use of land by producing companion crops, Md. Ruhul Amin, Green Planet Agro, owner of Jibannagar, Chuadanga, for fruit cultivation. Chairman of Agro-Based Socio-Economic Development Services of Raiganj Upazila of Sirajganj for working to solve water logging. Sakhawat Hossain and Amirul Islam, proprietor of Tanmoy Dairy Farm in Ishwardi, Pabna for milk production.
Masudul Haque Chowdhury, owner of Al Baraka Fish Farm and Hatchery in Begumganj, Noakhali, Beekeeper of Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila Rafiqul Islam, the proprietor of Siraj multi-purpose farm in Fenchuganj, Sylhet Sirajul Islam and Sherpur Sadar Upazila's fruit growers Doa fruit garden nursery and agro farm owner Md. Hazrat Ali
Two have been selected for AIP in the exportable agricultural produce category. KM Sabuj, Director of Living Art Garden of Gazipur Sadar Upazila for Tree Plantation and Bonsai Nursery and Agricultural Entrepreneur Moha of Gomastapur, Chapainawabganj, Baromasi Mango Grower Rafiqul Islam.
Three have been selected as AIPs in the gold medalist category of the Bangabandhu Agriculture Award Ram Nibas Agarwala, owner of Annapurna Agro Service of Domar Upazila of Nilphamari, producer of organic fertilizers and earthworms Maya Rani Baul, owner of Amit Dairy Farm of Nawabganj, Dhaka as a commercial agricultural farmer and agricultural entrepreneur of Atgharia Upazila of Pabna, who is a successful seed producer Abdul Khalek.
As per AIP policy, AIP awards are given in total 5 categories every year. The validity period of an AIP card is 1 year. AIPs enjoy the same benefits as CIPs. These include a certificate from the Ministry, entry pass to enter the Bangladesh Secretariat, invitation to civic receptions at various national events; Seat reservation priority in government-run public transport during travel by air, rail, road and water; Priority will be given to cabin facilities in government hospitals for treatment of self and family members and use of VIP lounges at airports. Agriculture Important Person (AIP) Policy has been formulated by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2019. This award has been given since 2020. 13 people received the AIP award in 2020.
The 2021 AIP Awards will be formally presented at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on July 7. The Minister of Agriculture Dr. Md. Abdus Shahid will be the Chief guest and State Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Foreign Employment Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury will be present as a special guest. AIP selections for 2022 and 2023 are reportedly underway.