Planning minister: If cows can eat water hyacinth, why can’t we?

Planning Minister MA Mannan today suggested that everyone should eat water hyacinth.

"If cows can eat water hyacinth, why can't we?" he said.

He suggested researchers find out how to make water hyacinth edible.

Minister Mannan made this statement while addressing a ceremony held at the NEC-2 Conference Room in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to award two persons for their contribution in agricultural research.

The two awardees in the programme were Dr MA Rahim and Dr Shamsul Alam. 

During another meeting with government officials in the afternoon on the day, the planning minister admitted that questions were raised previously with regard to government statistics.

He, however, said the Population and Housing Census to be conducted next year will be impeccable.

"We will take statistics to the global standard. Previously, our statistics gave rise to many questions but this time around there will be no question with regard to the quality of the population and housing census," the planning minister said.   

The minister was addressing a views-exchange meeting with officials involved with the census in Dhaka division.

Minister Mannan said there is no alternative to immaculate planning in devising development strategies for the country.

"I believe the forthcoming census will be an excellent one. The outcome will also be excellent," he said.