"Using chemicals to fruits is a punishable offense as these poisonous substances create numerous health hazards," he said while addressing a seminar at Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (BARC) auditorium.

Agriculture Secretary M Abdul Aziz chaired the seminar organised by BARC on 'Cultivation of fruits for economic development and prosperity' marking the national fruits tree plantation fortnight.

BARC's former research section chief Dr Kamal Uddin and Bangladesh Nursery Association President Giasuddin Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.

Bangladesh Agricultural University Professor Dr Abdur Rahim presented the keynote paper on the occasion.

The contribution of fruits and wood trees to national economy is unlimited, Tapan Chowdhury said, urging all to plant huge numbers of indigenous fruit trees with a view to reducing imports of fruits and thereby save the country's hard earned foreign currency.

We have sufficient production in the field of rice and potato but lacking other sectors, the adviser said. He said varieties of fruits and other items are necessary for balanced food.

Other speakers at the seminar said geographically Bangladesh is in a position to export fruits, specially mangoes, to other neighbouring countries if proper steps are taken.

Mango was first cultivated and developed in Bangladesh, then in India and lastly in Pakistan, he said, adding if we can produce surplus mangoes, we can export those to earn foreign currencies.

Later, the adviser inaugurated the national fruits fair on the premises of Krishibid Institution.