Dhaka, June 11 -- The government has proposed tax exemptions on the import of pesticides and raw materials for fertilisers, which are essential inputs for agricultural production.

At the same time, an increase in import duties has been proposed to boost domestic cashew nut production.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury made the proposals in the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The budget statement noted, "It is proposed to waive value-added tax to zero percent on the import of 36 raw materials used in pesticide production.

"It is also proposed to completely waive the import duty on the import of zinc ash, the primary raw material for manufacturing domestic zinc sulphate fertiliser."

Moreover, instead of specific branded...