DHAKA, March 20, 2024 (BSS) - State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today said the government gives priority on the issue of conservation of environment in taking up any development programme.

He said this while addressing a panel discussion titled "Dialogue Hub: Energy-Water-Food Nexus: Holistic Solutions for food and water supply Powered by Renewables" of Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue 2024 in Berlin, Germany, according to a press release received here today.

Nasrul said as the government prioritizes environmental conservation, the country has achieved progress in sustainable agricultural system and renewable energy sector.

Replacement of diesel-run irrigation pump by solar pump will reduce carbon emission as well as it will keep ecological balance by conserving ground water resources, he said.

The state minister said the government has taken a plan to set up 45,000 solar pumps by 2031 to facilitate 13 lakh farmers. It will reduce usage of diesel remarkably, he said.

He laid emphasis on use of renewable energy and investment in the sector in order to reduce excessive lifting of ground water.

Representatives of the participating countries in the Energy Transition Dialogue-2024 were present.