Heavy metals found in soil, water and rice; govt launches research to trace sources

The presence of heavy metals in the country’s soil and water is increasing at an alarming rate, while concerns have also emerged over the presence of such harmful substances in rice, Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said on Sunday.

He said the government has launched research to identify the sources of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic – whether they are coming from soil, groundwater, fertilisers or pesticides.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at the Aquaculture Knowledge Day-2026, organised by Fishtech BD Limited at Hotel Sarina in the capital’s Banani.

“The presence of heavy metals in our soil and water has increased alarmingly. Harmful substances such as lead and arsenic are being found in water. Even the presence of heavy metals in rice has come to light,” he said.

“We have started research to identify whether these substances are coming from soil, groundwater, fertilisers or pesticides,” he added.

Speaking about soil and water pollution, the minister said the government is working to reduce the use of pesticides that are harmful to soil, water, light, air and human health.

“There is no alternative to getting out of soil and water pollution,” he said.

The minister said Bangladesh currently does not face a major shortage in food production. However, ensuring the quality of food has now emerged as a major challenge.

“If Bangladesh wants to boost its economy by exporting agricultural products, there is no alternative to producing quality agricultural goods,” he said.

Calling for greater emphasis on research, the minister urged researchers to explore ways of reducing dependence on antibiotics and vaccines and finding more natural solutions to various problems.

“People now want safe, healthy and quality food. We cannot adopt any method of food production that may be harmful to people’s long-term health,” he said.

The minister also stressed the need to reduce dependence on groundwater.

He said the country’s groundwater levels are declining significantly and suggested exploring whether freshwater from rivers could be used for irrigation to reduce or stop groundwater extraction.

Highlighting the potential of indigenous livestock breeds, the minister said the Black Bengal goat, despite being close to disappearing at one point, is one of the world’s outstanding breeds.

“It has good productivity and disease resistance,” he said.

Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Secretary Md Delwar Hossain and Fisheries Department Director General Dr Md Khaled Kanak spoke at the event as special guests.

Jonna van der Linden, Deputy Head of Mission of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, was also present.

The event was chaired by Fishtech BD Limited Chairman Khandaker Farhad Hossain.