[🇧🇩] Agriculture in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Barishal Region: Capsicum cultivation gaining ground

The commercial cultivation of capsicum is getting popular in the Barishal region, presenting new agricultural opportunities for local farmers. Originating from South America, this fruit, also known as bell pepper or sweet pepper, is a favoured culinary ingredient and is rich in antioxidants.

www.thedailystar.net

Barishal Region: Capsicum cultivation gaining ground

The commercial cultivation of capsicum is getting popular in the Barishal region, presenting new agricultural opportunities for local farmers. Originating from South America, this fruit, also known as bell pepper or sweet pepper, is a favoured culinary ingredient and is rich in antioxidants.

Capsicum is being cultivated across Mehendiganj, Hijla, Muladi, and Sadar upazilas of Barishal, as well as Amtoli, Taltoli, and Patharghata upazilas of Barguna, Mathbaria upazila of Pirojpur, and Char Fassion and Monpura upazilas of Bhola.

The plants bear fruit twice a year, allowing farmers to harvest twice after planting the saplings once.

During a visit to Loraipur Char under Barishal Sadar upazila, it was observed that capsicum has been cultivated on several acres of land alongside other winter vegetables, watermelons, and melons.

Muhammad Ibrahim, a farmer from Bhola Sadar upazila, said, "These lands on shoals are ideal for capsicum cultivation due to ample sunlight, easy access to water, and fertility of soil."

However, Shamsu Mia, a farmer from Barishal Sadar, pointed out the high costs associated with capsicum cultivation.

"It costs Tk 6-7 lakh to cultivate it on per bigha of land. But the price we get for our crop is much less compared to our investment. The wholesale price is usually Tk 80-90 per kg, while the retail price goes up to Tk 120-160."

Abu Sardar, a farmer from Kalapara upazila, said he cultivated capsicum on two acres of land this year after noticing a good demand in the market. "If I can make a profit this time, I will expand cultivation to more land next year," he added.

Some farmers have claimed they did not receive any support from the agriculture office.

"We are renting land to cultivate capsicum, investing our own money to produce and sell it. If the government had provided seeds or loans at low interest, we would have benefitted," said a farmer.GMM Kabir Khan, a horticulture expert from the Department of Agricultural Extension in Barishal, said a total of 1,353 tonnes of capsicum were produced on 76 hectares of land in Barishal division in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Kabir refuted the allegations that the DAE has not been supportive of farmers.

"We always support farmers by providing advice to them and encouraging the cultivation of crops based on area and season," he said.​

 

[Saif]

Watermelon boom in Patuakhali

Patuakhali’s watermelon growers are witnessing a bumper harvest this year, with buyers rushing to purchase the fruit directly from the fields.

www.thedailystar.net

Watermelon boom in Patuakhali
Farmers eye bumper sales

Patuakhali's watermelon growers are witnessing a bumper harvest this year, with buyers rushing to purchase the fruit directly from the fields.

Favourable weather conditions have contributed to the high yield, said officials. They said watermelon has been cultivated on 27,079 hectares of land this season, nearly 4,000 hectares more than last year. The production target stands at 8.66 lakh tonnes.

A visit to Amkhola village in Galachipa upazila revealed sprawling fields of watermelons in varying sizes.

Farmer Barek Mridha said, "Due to Ramadan, the demand for watermelon is expected to be high. Wholesale buyers from different parts of the country have already arrived and are providing advance payments."

Mojibur Rahman, a farmer from Rangabali, echoed him.

Farmers said traders from Dhaka and other regions have already provided advance payments to many of them.

Aslam Sheikh, a trader from Dhaka's Kadamtali area, said, "I am currently in Rangabali to purchase watermelons and send them to Dhaka via launches."

Md Nazrul Islam, deputy director of Patuakhali DAE, said, "The fertile soil and favourable climate have contributed to high yields. This year, we expect total sales revenue in the district to surpass Tk 2,000 crore."​

 

[Saif]

Boosting farm produce export

Despite repeated emphasis on increasing farm produce exports as a means of diversifying the country's export basket, significant progress remains elusive. While there have been occasional surges, the sector continues to fall short of realising its full potential. Currently, farm produce exports con

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Boosting farm produce export
Published :
Feb 22, 2025 22:50
Updated :
Feb 22, 2025 22:50

Despite repeated emphasis on increasing farm produce exports as a means of diversifying the country's export basket, significant progress remains elusive. While there have been occasional surges, the sector continues to fall short of realising its full potential. Currently, farm produce exports contribute only US$1.0 billion, accounting for a mere 2.87 per cent of the country's total exports.

One of the most frequently cited barriers to farm produce exports, particularly those intended for human consumption, is the stringent and often cumbersome sanitary and phytosanitary testing procedures imposed by most importing countries. Additionally, exporters must comply with numerous regulations and safety protocols specific to each destination market, adding to the complexity and cost of exporting agricultural goods. The challenges extend beyond international compliance requirements. A critical domestic factor impeding export growth-especially for primary agricultural produce such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices etc-is the absence of robust policies governing farm produce cultivation. Notably, the lack of a comprehensive pesticide policy has led to widespread and unregulated use of chemical pesticides, which in turn hinders the country's ability to meet international safety standards. This issue poses a significant obstacle to achieving the government's ambitious target of earning US$5.0 billion from agricultural exports by 2030.

The issue was prominently highlighted during a discussion meeting titled Sustainable Agriculture, organised by a local think-tank Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD). The keynote presenter noted that despite the enactment of the Pesticide Act in 2018, a well-defined pesticide policy is yet to be formulated. Consequently, both farmers and exporters struggle to adhere to international food safety standards. Currently, the country uses approximately 40,000 tonnes of pesticides annually. Without a clear regulatory framework, misuse and overuse of pesticides have become pervasive, exacerbating environmental and health concerns. Experts warn that excessive pesticide use has dire consequences, including soil degradation, water contamination, and harm to aquatic ecosystems. For instance, the indiscriminate use of herbicides has been linked to a decline in fish populations in the haor regions. Moreover, the negative impact of pesticide overuse extends to pollinators. The decline of honeybee populations due to pesticide exposure is particularly alarming, as pollination is crucial for 87 per cent of crop varieties. If honeybee populations continue to dwindle, agricultural productivity could suffer a sharp decline, further jeopardising food security and the country's export potential.

Given these challenges, the urgent need for a well-structured and enforceable pesticide policy cannot be overstated. Such a policy should emphasise responsible pesticide use while incorporating provisions for farmers' training, stringent safety standards, and environmental protection measures. A comprehensive approach to pesticide regulation would not only ensure compliance with international market requirements but also safeguard sustainable agricultural practices. It is imperative that the relevant authorities take immediate action to address these issues. By implementing a well-thought-out pesticide policy and enhancing support mechanisms for farmers, the country can pave the way for a stable and expanding overseas market for its farm produce.​

 

[Saif]

Protect our farmers from their grievances

Farmers are disconnected from the government, lacking timely support, even during natural disasters.

www.thedailystar.net

Protect our farmers from their grievances

The July uprising revealed two distinct images: one of an urban political massacre and the other of silent observation from the villages. Though the clashes during the July protests did not spread to the countryside, its messages were conveyed to the rural people, especially the farmers. Those farmers began envisioning a future free from exploitative input costs, unfair crop pricing, and bureaucratic corruption. Sadly, those dreams remain largely unfulfilled. The benefits of government subsidies for essential agricultural inputs like fuel, electricity, and fertilisers are still not reaching the farmers, who need them most. Who enjoys those benefits, then?

Let's look at a few examples.

Cauliflower growers in Bogura have faced hardship this winter. On December 28, the price of cauliflowers was Tk 2-3 per kg at Mohasthan wholesale market. On the same day, I visited a kitchen market in Dhaka's Mirpur area, where cauliflowers were selling at Tk 30-40 per kg. A Mohasthan trader explained that transport to Dhaka raises the cost of one kg of cauliflower by Tk 8-9, suggesting a retail price of Tk 12-15 per kg in the capital. The additional Tk 15 charged in Dhaka goes entirely to the market middlemen. Meanwhile, farmers in Bogura lose Tk 15,000-20,000 per bigha (33 decimals) due to low prices.

Meanwhile, according to the field wing of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), potato cultivation this season reached record levels, with 5.24 lakh hectares planted nationwide, compared to 4.56 lakh hectares last season. Driven by past high prices, farmers expanded potato acreage, hoping for greater profits. However, current prices are so low that farmers can't recover their investments. In the northern districts, various kinds of potatoes are being sold at Tk 8-10 per kg, while production costs are around Tk 15-17 per kg.

On the other hand, potato storage costs have risen by Tk 1 per kg, from Tk 7 to Tk 8, as announced by the Bangladesh Cold Storage Association (BCSA). Due to the sudden fall in prices and the increase in storage costs, farmers in the northern region protested the move by throwing potatoes on the streets recently.

According to the DAE, Bangladesh's annual potato demand is around 90 lakh tonnes, but this year's production is projected to be around 1.20 crore tonnes, creating a potential surplus of 30 lakh tonnes. According to the BCSA, the country's 350 functioning cold storage facilities have a combined capacity of only 45 lakh tonnes. Historically, potato exports have been minimal, averaging just 50,000 tonnes annually over the past nine years, per the DAE data. Even doubling the exports to 100,000 tonnes this year leaves a staggering 29-lakh-tonne surplus. Farmers and cold storage owners are left wondering how this surplus will be managed.

On February 8, at a press conference, BCSA President Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu claimed that potato prices would not exceed Tk 40 per kg this year, asserting no price manipulation. This raises a serious question: when the wholesale market price of potatoes is now Tk 10 per kg on average, why will the price rise to Tk 40? Farmers are incurring losses by selling potatoes at Tk 10 per kg, while middlemen and traders are making profit of Tk 30 per kg.

Similar struggles plague farmers of other crops. Onion growers in Kushtia and Pabna, for instance, have suffered losses of Tk 50,000-60,000 per bigha, according to a recent report in this daily.

Rice cultivation offers little profit to Bangladeshi farmers. Over the past two years, farmers have struggled to cover expenses of growing rice. According to the auto rice mill owners and farmers in the northern districts, producing rice from paddy costs only Tk 40-42 per kg, yet consumers have to pay Tk 65-70 per kg at the retail market right now. The disparity is even greater with fragrant rice (Chinigura). In Dinajpur, farmers told me that the production cost of fragrant rice is Tk 50-52 per kg, while packaged rice sells at a staggering Tk 145-150 per kg. This massive price difference remains unexplained by traders and government agencies alike, raising questions about the government's role in addressing this market anomaly.

Is that all? The production cost is increasing year after year in every sector, from buying seeds to producing crops. Market players, against whom the government takes little action, benefit from inflated market prices, incentivising farmers to cultivate more land, often leading to losses.

According to recent media reports, this year, seed and fertiliser prices have surged for potato and Boro paddy cultivation. Even under the interim government, potato growers bought seeds from the government at nearly double the fixed price. During the potato season, farmers from the northern area bought TSP fertiliser at a price that is Tk 350 more per sack than the government fixed price. Alleged artificial shortages are driving up prices, while government oversight (surveillance) remains ineffective, while farmers bear the brunt of it. Even in the current Boro paddy planting season, farmers have to spend almost Tk 3-4 per kg more than the price set by the government to buy almost every variety of fertiliser.

Even two decades ago, Bangladeshi farmers relied on traditional methods to grow crops, using their seeds, organic fertilisers, and Indigenous technology. Pest infestation was less severe, resulting in lower production costs. Today, the irony is that technological advancements have paradoxically made farmers more vulnerable in terms of increasing production costs. They are now more dependent on external inputs (technologies) for everything, from hybrid seeds to threshing crops. Now, big industrial enterprises have created a big profit market in these places by supplying technologies and other facilities. Thus, both farmers and consumers are trapped in an inflated commodity market.

The reality is, farmers are taking out loans to cultivate crops, and they have to sell them at low prices without taking the crops home to pay off the loan as soon as possible. As a result, the crops that the farmers are producing, they themselves are not able to consume. At the beginning of the season, after selling their own produced crops at low prices, they have to buy them from the market again at higher prices for the rest of the year. What could be a bigger grievance for a farmer's family than this?

The interim government has formed several reform commissions to address public demands. However, these commissions have been formed on issues raised by intellectuals and government affiliates, neglecting the distant voices of farmers.

There is no doubt that the agricultural system of Bangladesh is going through an uncontrolled, mismanaged situation. Farmers, tempted by the previous year's high prices, often overproduce, leading to losses. Essential imports are often ill-timed, exacerbating market imbalances. Government offices struggle to accurately convey field-level realities to policymakers. Farmers are disconnected from the government, lacking timely support, even during natural disasters. The absence of a strong national-level farmers' organisation and effective political representation further silences their concerns. The suffering of marginal farmers is not reaching the government.

The reality is, our farmers are not doing well. We should remember that if the farmer suffers, every citizen in the country will suffer. Therefore, protecting our farmers and, if necessary, creating a permanent commission to solve their grievances are the need of the hour now.

Mostafa Shabuj is a journalist at The Daily Star.​

 

[Saif]

Maize continues to win farmers’ hearts

Maize, a little-known crop three decades ago, continues its triumph over wheat, paddy and other crops due to its higher yield and profitability.

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Maize continues to win farmers’ hearts

Farmers say they prefer growing maize over other crops due to its consistent demand in the feed industry. Photo: Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu

Maize, a little-known crop three decades ago, continues its triumph over wheat, paddy and other crops due to its higher yield and profitability.

In the current fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 ending in June, maize acreage has reached 6.72 lakh hectares, setting a new record.

The acreage was 6.42 lakh hectares in fiscal 2023-24, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).

Two and a half decades ago, maize was grown on only around 5,000 hectares, official data shows.

This shift occurred as many growers switched from wheat to maize during the last winter, the main season for maize cultivation, according to estimates by the DAE.

Farmers say they prefer growing maize over other crops due to its consistent demand in the feed industry, which caters to poultry, fish, and livestock farmers. Besides, maize can be cultivated alongside potatoes and other vegetables.

Bangladesh's feed industry requires over 60 lakh tonnes of maize annually, with domestically produced grains meeting 85 percent of the demand, according to an estimate by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Farmers report increasing demand from local feed mills, it added.

"We have never had trouble selling maize. We can sell the grain at a satisfactory price," said Bidhan Chandra Sen, a farmer from Baura in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat, a northwestern border district.

A USDA report earlier stated that farmers have been profiting from maize as demand for local production has risen in the feed industry since 2021.

Moksed Ali, a maize trader in Lalmonirhat's Baura area, said feed companies have opened purchasing centres in his area.

"We buy maize from farmers and supply it to feed companies," he said.

Nazar Mahmud, a farmer from the Char Gaddimari area of the Teesta River in Lalmonirhat's Hatibandha upazila, said they always have buyers for maize.

"Some maize traders have given me advance payments to buy maize this year," he said, expecting to sell the grain for over Tk 1,300 per maund.

The 65-year-old farmer expanded his maize cultivation to 15 bighas this year, up from 10 bighas the previous year, aiming for higher profits.

Md Mahfuzul Hoque, principal scientific officer of the plant breeding division at the Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute (BWMRI), said maize is now cultivated across the country, except in hilly regions.

"It is more profitable than wheat. In many cases, traders buy directly from fields. So, many farmers have shifted from wheat. Another benefit is that maize can be grown using intercropping methods," he said.

The acreage of wheat, once Bangladesh's second-largest cereal crop, has hit a record low in FY25 as many producers opted to grow potatoes, maize, and other high-value crops, according to DAE data.

Maize is now the second-largest cereal after rice produced in Bangladesh.

Md Obaidur Rahman Mondol, director of the Field Service Wing of the DAE, said maize can tolerate a lot of stress.

"Besides, it not only offers good prices but can also be stored easily," he said.

Dilbar Hossain, a 60-year-old farmer from Char Shoulmari on the Teesta River bed in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat, said maize cultivation has helped alleviate poverty in the char area.

"We have become self-reliant by cultivating maize. Maize traders and feed company representatives buy directly from us."

Lalmonirhat farmer Sen said he has increased his cultivation area this year and expects a favourable yield to bring him a good harvest.

For the current FY, the DAE has set a production target of 69.78 lakh tonnes of maize.

Mondol said the production target will be achieved this year. "As of now, the crop condition has been good. There are no reports of pest attacks," he said.

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) recorded maize production at 45.6 lakh tonnes in FY23.

In January this year, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in a report on Bangladesh, estimated that maize production would reach a record 52 lakh tonnes, largely due to increased sowing driven by strong domestic demand and high prices during the 2024 planting season.

"Favourable weather conditions and widespread use of high-yielding seed varieties have supported above-average yields," the report stated.

Most maize seeds are imported, as locally developed varieties by the Maize Research Institute have yet to reach farmers on a large scale.

Principal Scientific Officer of the Maize Research Institute Hoque said the institute has developed 20 maize varieties, one of which—BWMRI-2—has received a positive response from farmers.

"The yield of the variety we have developed is comparable to imported maize seeds," he said. "However, due to a lack of adequate land, we cannot produce enough seeds."

Hoque said his office has requested land from various state agencies to expand seed production.

"Maize is a staple food in many countries. In our country, its use is currently limited to the feed industry. However, several maize-based industries could be established here."​

 

[Saif]

Favourable weather boosts lichi yield hopes

Dinajpur, widely known as the “Land of Lichis”, is experiencing a promising season, with thousands of trees across the district adorned in golden blossoms.

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Favourable weather boosts lichi yield hopes

Dinajpur, widely known as the "Land of Lichis", is experiencing a promising season, with thousands of trees across the district adorned in golden blossoms.

Farmers and agricultural officials are optimistic about a bumper harvest this year, thanks to favourable weather conditions and advanced cultivation practices.

Beyond Dinajpur, lichi is also cultivated in Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, and Rangpur districts, contributing significantly to the region's agricultural economy.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Dinajpur, the flowering season typically begins at the end of February. A timely shower during this period has been beneficial, though the rising temperature remains a concern for optimal fruit yield.

With spring in full bloom, the sweet aroma of lichi blossoms fills the air across Dinajpur's 5,418 orchards, spanning all 13 upazilas of the district. Most of them are located in Dinajpur Sadar, Chirirbandar, Khansama, and Birganj upazilas.

Popular varieties such as China-1, China-2, China-3, Bedana, Bombay, Madrazi, and Kathali dominate these orchards, showing healthy blossom retention. Farmers are investing in irrigation, pesticide application, and fertilisation to safeguard their crops.

Md Nuruzzaman, deputy director of Dinajpur's DAE, expressed confidence in this year's yield, saying, "The weather has been ideal so far. If no natural disasters strike in the coming days, we anticipate a record-breaking harvest."

The high demand for Dinajpur's lichis is already evident, with traders from Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chattogram, and Dhaka visiting orchards to book orders in advance. Given the fruit's premium quality and popularity nationwide, early negotiations between farmers and buyers have begun.

Last year, lichi cultivation in Dinajpur covered 5,787 hectares, yielding approximately 42,000 metric tonnes of fruit worth over Tk 800 crore, according to DAE officials. This year, authorities are determined to surpass these figures by providing farmers with real-time guidance on pest control, irrigation, and climate-resilient practices.

Lichi remains one of Dinajpur's most lucrative seasonal cash crops, supplying markets across the country. While its exceptional sweetness has previously opened export opportunities -- once even reaching the Middle East -- the fruit's perishable nature and the lack of proper processing facilities have hindered sustained domestic and international trade.

Farmers are urging the government to establish cold storage and processing units to extend the fruit's shelf life and unlock global market potential.

Bablu Mia, a lichi grower from Chirirbandar upazila, emphasised the need for infrastructure, saying, "With cold storage and processing plants, we can produce value-added products like juices and preserves, making our litchis export-ready."

Last year, lichi prices ranged from Tk 3 to Tk 18 per piece, translating to Tk 300 to Tk 1,800 per 100-piece bunch. Farmers remain cautious about price fluctuations, as market conditions and transportation costs significantly impact their profitability.

"A single storm or pest outbreak can wipe out months of effort," said Abdur Razzak, a lichi farmer from Khansama upazila.​

 

[Bilal9]

Potato imports facilitated despite massive price fall

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has allowed the use of nine more customs stations for the import of potatoes, specifically from Nepal and Bhutan, aiming to diversify supply sources and reduce dependency on India..The nine stations include Rohonpur in Chapainawabganj, Sonahat in Kurigra

www.thedailystar.net

Potato imports facilitated despite massive price fall

View attachment 13451
Potato growers will suffer severely if the government continues to allow imports as the country saw massive production this year, farmers said. Photo: Md Quamrul Islam Rubaiyat.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has allowed the use of nine more customs stations for the import of potatoes, specifically from Nepal and Bhutan, aiming to diversify supply sources and reduce dependency on India.

The nine stations include Rohonpur in Chapainawabganj, Sonahat in Kurigram, Dhanua Kamalpur in Jamalpur, Nakugaon in Sherpur, Gobrakura and Karaitoli in Mymensingh, and Tamabil, Zakiganj, and Sheola in Sylhet.

Earlier, potato imports were allowed through four customs stations, including Benapole and Bhomra.

This facility will remain in effect till March, according to a gazette issued on Monday.

Traders had sought the initiative last December, when prices of the tuber reached a record high of Tk 80 per kilogramme amidst a usual drop in stocks ahead of the harvest season between February and April.

Now the facility will have little effect as prices have fallen by a massive margin across the country, and farmers fear massive losses amid bumper harvests.

Azizul Islam, who heads a farmers' association in Dinajpur, expressed his frustration at the NBR's move.

"Why is the government still allowing imports now, when potatoes are available at cheap rates in Bangladesh?" he asked.

Islam, who hails from Gopalganj village in Dinajpur sadar upazila, highlighted the plight of local farmers.

"There has been massive production this year, and there aren't enough buyers… If the government continues to allow imports, farmers will suffer severely," he warned.

Potatoes in Dinajpur are currently being sold at Tk 13 per kilogramme (kg) at the fields and around Tk 15 per kg at retail markets.

"If farmers are forced to accept such low rates, they won't recover even the money spent on potato seeds, let alone make a profit amidst rising labour and land costs," he said.

Islam urged the government to immediately halt potato imports and support farmers through state purchases.

"The government must prioritise farmers and take the necessary steps to safeguard their livelihoods," he stressed.

Regarding the time taken for the facility to come about, Kazi Mostafizur Rahman, an NBR member of international trade (currently in charge), said, "The NBR took the move based on businesses' demand when the prices were high."

"But we received the official request to extend new routes from businesses at the end of December. We needed 20-22 more days for processing as we had to conduct vetting on this issue," he said.

This year, acreage increased to a record high of 5.21 lakh hectares of land.

Annual demand stands at 85 lakh tonnes to 90 lakh tonnes, whereas harvests amount to around 106 lakh tonnes.

In fiscal year 2023-24, 1.5 lakh tonnes were imported from India.​

Too many Indian dalal AL bureaucrats still in charge across many branches of govt.

These people should be investigated and brought to book on why they still allow agri imports from India. I'm sure there is corruption involved.

 

[Saif]

Too many Indian dalal AL bureaucrats still in charge across many branches of govt.

These people should be investigated and brought to book on why they still allow agri imports from India. I'm sure there is corruption involved.

Importing agri-products from India has become our national policy. They import agri-products from India regardless of which party is in power 😡

 

[Saif]

Agri product exports grow 10.25pc

The export of the agricultural products witnessed a positive growth of 10.25 per cent to $742.47 million year-on-year in the July-February period of the current financial year...

www.newagebd.net

Agri product exports grow 10.25pc
Staff Correspondent 10 March, 2025, 21:49

A file photo shows a man arranging jackfruits at a roadside makeshift shop in the capital Dhaka. | New Age photo

The export of the agricultural products witnessed a positive growth of 10.25 per cent to $742.47 million year-on-year in the July-February period of the current financial year.

During the past eight months, export earnings from agricultural products were $673.44 million in the mentioned period of the previous fiscal, according to the Export Promotion Bureau data released on March 4.

The sector people said that agricultural products are regarded as one of the country’s major potential export sectors. In FY21, the sector crossed the milestone of $1 billion for the first time and earned $1.02 billion.

In FY22, the sector earned $1.1 billion; however, in the following fiscal year, earnings dipped to $827.1 million. In FY24, the sector witnessed a turnaround and earned $964.34 million.

The sector people said that if the current trend continues for the next four months of the current fiscal year, they might be able to touch the milestone of $1 billion again.

According to the EPB, the agricultural sector’s product list includes tea, vegetables, tobacco, fruits, spices, dry food, oil seeds, betel leaves, animal or vegetable fats and oils, sugar and sugar confectionery, beverages, spirits and vinegar, oil cake, and others.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority said that more than 700 essential and processed food products are exported to more than 140 countries.

Moreover, the agriculture and food processing sector employs about 40 per cent of the national labour force and contributes about 12 per cent to the country’s GDP.

BIDA also stated that the major export destinations of the Bangladeshi agro and food processing sector include the European Union, the US, the Middle East and the Gulf.

At present, there are nearly 500 producers of processed agricultural products. On the other hand, the Bangladesh Agro-Processors’ Association has 303 active members who are directly involved in either exporting or catering to the domestic market.

Talking to New Age, Md Iqtadul Hoque, general secretary of BAPA, said that in the past two years, the export witnessed a negative trend but since the beginning of the current fiscal, the export turnaround.

‘One of the reasons for the increase in export volume and earnings is increased food demand for Ramadan. We have seen a huge quantity of export of items like vermicelli, traditional frozen snacks, and other agro products,’ he added, saying that it may cross $1 billion at the end of the current financial year.

Usually, non-resident Bangladeshis abroad and migrant workers mainly in the Middle East are the primary consumers of locally produced and processed agricultural products.

He also said that their earnings would have been higher if they had received sufficient government policy support.

He said that, meanwhile, the government plans to lift the ban on the export of fragrant rice by 25,000 tonnes in six months, though BAPA had proposed to export 50,000 tonnes per year.

He also urged the government to provide bonded warehouse facilities and tax rebates so that they could compete with global competitors and to ease the loan processing.

The government has recently lifted ban on export of fragrant or aromatic rice. The commerce ministry will allot the exporting company and their quantity soon.

PRAN-RFL Group has the lion’s share among the major players in the export of agri-food products. Currently, they export their agricultural products to 145 countries.

Talking to New Age, Touhid Zaman, deputy general manager (public relations) of PRAN-RFL Group, said that freight costs and the price of raw materials were high in the past few years, along with global economic turmoil due to the Ukraine-Russia war, which impacted Bangladesh’s exports.

‘However, as mentioned issues have been eased somewhat, the exports are rising and we expect it will cross $1 billion at the end of the current financial year,’ he added.

He also said that the government was likely to lift the ban on exporting aromatic rice and if the government did so, the exports might witness robust growth.

He also urged the Export Promotion Bureau and the commerce ministry to create opportunities for participation in global expos and fairs.​

 

[Saif]

Govt must prioritise farmers’ needs

Ensure adequate storage facilities for potatoes, reduce transportation costs

www.thedailystar.net

Govt must prioritise farmers’ needs
Ensure adequate storage facilities for potatoes, reduce transportation costs

VISUAL: STAR

It is concerning that potato growers in the northern districts are struggling to find space in cold storages for their produce. According to a report, there are 101 cold storage facilities in the Rangpur division with a total capacity of 1.1 million tonnes—which is insufficient given the high demand for space. This shortage has caused severe congestion outside the facilities, particularly in Dinajpur and Syedpur. Hundreds of potato-laden trucks remain stranded on highways for days, causing traffic disruptions and driving up transportation costs. Farmers in the region have also alleged that cold storage operators are favouring traders over them, which is unfortunate.

More farmers have cultivated potatoes this year, encouraged by last year's high prices. However, they now fear incurring losses instead of making profits. Sensing the crisis, transporters have also almost doubled their rates—from Tk 35 to Tk 65 per sack of potatoes—mostly because trucks carrying potatoes have to wait for a prolonged period outside storage facilities. The cold storage charge also remains high, as the government has imposed a fee cap of Tk 6.75 per kilogramme of produce. Many farmers allege that while they wait for days, traders' trucks are granted entry at night.

Reportedly, more farmers have cultivated potatoes this year, encouraged by last year's high prices. However, they now fear incurring losses instead of making profits. Sensing the crisis, transporters have also almost doubled their rates—from Tk 35 to Tk 65 per sack of potatoes—mostly because trucks carrying potatoes have to wait for a prolonged period outside storage facilities. The cold storage charge also remains high, as the government has imposed a fee cap of Tk 6.75 per kilogramme of produce. Many farmers allege that while they wait for days, traders' trucks are granted entry at night. Storage operators, however, have attributed the delay to overwhelming demand for space. Due to this unfavourable situation, farmers are already facing financial losses. Worse still, the market price of potatoes has fallen below Tk 20 per kg.

Under the circumstances, we urge the government to ensure adequate storage facilities for potato farmers. The capacity of both government and private cold storages should be increased to accommodate the high volume of produce, and storage authorities must maintain the government-mandated storage ratio of 60:40 for farmers and traders. While local authorities have deployed police and Ansar-VDP personnel to manage the chaos outside storage facilities, more government oversight is needed to ensure farmers get proper access. Additionally, the storage charge per kg should be reduced to Tk 5 from the current Tk 6.75, as farmers have demanded. Our potato farmers—already burdened by high production costs and falling incomes—should not suffer further losses due to storage shortages and mismanagement.​

 

[Saif]

Watermelon cultivation surpasses target

Although watermelon cultivation has surpassed the target and farmers are celebrating a bumper yield this season, prices remain three times higher in major cities than at farm-level rates in Barishal—one of the largest watermelon-producing hubs in Bangladesh.

www.thedailystar.net

Watermelon cultivation surpasses target
Still costing urban consumers thrice as much as farm-level rates

Workers load watermelons onto a tractor in a field in Charfesson, Bhola. Farmers in Patuakhali and Bhola call the juicy fruit their “green gold”, as no other crop has yielded such high profits in such a short time. Photo: Monir Uddin Anik

Although watermelon cultivation has surpassed the target and farmers are celebrating a bumper yield this season, prices remain three times higher in major cities than at farm-level rates in Barishal—one of the largest watermelon-producing hubs in Bangladesh.

Still, farmers are happy with the prices, while consumers are frustrated at paying exorbitant rates to have the summer delight on their iftar platters.

Supply chain analysis and price comparisons show that it is not the farmers but the middlemen who are dictating the rates, as the fruit changes hands multiple times before reaching the retail market.

Across vast lands in the coastal regions of the southern districts of Patuakhali and Bhola, lush green watermelon fields dominate the landscape.

Farmers there call the juicy fruit their "green gold," as no other crop has yielded such high profits in such a short time.

Across the country, cultivation of the fruit nearly tripled in five years to 226,650 acres in the fiscal year (FY) 2022-23 from 85,500 acres in 2018-19. Accordingly, production rose about threefold to 36 lakh tonnes in FY23 from 13.67 lakh tonnes five years ago, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).

Supply chain analysis and price comparisons show that it is not the farmers but the middlemen who are dictating the rates, as the fruit changes hands multiple times

Of the total, Barishal alone supplied around 27 lakh tonnes of watermelon in FY23.

According to watermelon growers in Barishal, favourable weather conditions have led to excellent yields, with larger-sized watermelons available in the market this year.'Green gold'

In Char Meghbhasan village of Char Fashion upazila in Bhola, farmers like Motahar Howlader have cultivated watermelons on 3.2 acres of land with an investment of Tk 400,000. He has already sold his harvest to wholesalers for Tk 650,000 and expects around 5,000 watermelons from his field.

Large watermelons are being sold for Tk 120-130 each, while medium-sized ones fetch Tk 80-100.

Howlader said that as the land does not belong to him, he will have to pay the rent, which is Tk 20,000-30,000 per 1.6 acres, from the sales. Besides, production costs range from Tk 150,000-200,000 per 1.6 acres.

Wholesale watermelon trader Delwar Hossain, who has purchased 48 acres of watermelon fields, said he paid Tk 390,000-420,000 per 1.6 acres.

He expects each 1.6-acre plot to produce 2,400-2,500 watermelons, mostly of large and medium sizes.

Large 8-10 kg watermelons are being sold wholesale for Tk 250-300 each, while medium-sized 4-5 kg watermelons go for Tk 160-170. Hossain said that transport losses, port fees, and other logistics costs contribute to the high retail prices.

Despite relatively lower farm-level prices, watermelons reach Dhaka and other retail markets at three times the price.

In Barishal's wholesale markets, traders like Ganesh Dutta reported selling 7-8 kg watermelons for Tk 350-375, later reaching Tk 450-500 in retail markets.Ramadan demand in price metrics

Similar to Bhola, watermelon farmers in Patuakhali's Galachipa and Rangabali upazilas are expecting profits due to high demand during Ramadan.

In Amkhola village of Galachipa, farmer Barek Mridha (55) cultivated watermelons on 111 acres of land. "I am selling watermelons at an average of Tk 10 lakh per acre," he said.

Likewise, farmers like Md Motaleb Pyada (40) and Bariul Islam (45) in Suhuri village cultivated 74 acres and 37 acres, respectively.

Wholesale buyers from Dhaka have already secured their produce in advance. Large watermelons are selling for Tk 300 per piece.

In Kaukhali village of Rangabali, the region's largest watermelon farmer, Mojibur Rahman (45), said this season's yield is better than last year.

Meanwhile, Kalam Pyada (40) from North Char Montaz village has already sold Tk 15 lakh worth of watermelons and expects another Tk 40-50 lakh in sales.Intermediaries drive up retail prices

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in the Barishal region, watermelon cultivation this year exceeded the target by 4,620 acres. The goal was 118,700 acres, but actual cultivation reached 123,300 acres.

Patuakhali alone accounts for 60 percent of Barishal's total watermelon cultivation, with an increase of 11,735 acres compared to last year.

The average yield per acre stands at 21 tonnes. In Patuakhali, 6-7 kg watermelons are selling wholesale for Tk 240-300 per piece, but retail prices soar to Tk 400-500 per piece.

Shamim Ahmed, training officer of DAE Bhola, said that 3,350 acres of land were used for watermelon farming this year, with similar productivity levels of 21 tonnes per acre.

"In Mojarchar, we found watermelons weighing up to 12 kg, selling for Tk 300 each. In Bhola, watermelons can reach 22 kg, offering significantly higher rates for growers," he said.

Md Nazrul Islam Sikder, additional director of DAE, Barishal region, said that 65 percent of the country's total watermelon supply comes from Barishal.

He said intermediaries at multiple levels significantly drive up retail prices.

"Farmers sell at relatively low prices, but by the time watermelons reach Dhaka, Chattogram, Faridpur, and other markets, the price triples," he added.​

 

[Saif]

Farmers may get insurance protection if damage risk is minimised

Disaster insurance can save small farmers from financial losses rendered by adverse weather events if it is coupled with actions taken before they strike to minimize harm, according to recent studies. Losses in small to medium-sized crises are often overlooked in traditional disaster response mecha

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Farmers may get insurance protection if damage risk is minimised
SAIFUNNAHAR SUMI
Published :
Mar 12, 2025 01:05
Updated :
Mar 12, 2025 01:05

Disaster insurance can save small farmers from financial losses rendered by adverse weather events if it is coupled with actions taken before they strike to minimize harm, according to recent studies.

Losses in small to medium-sized crises are often overlooked in traditional disaster response mechanisms but they put immense financial pressure on farmers, making it difficult for them to continue cultivation in subsequent seasons.

Civil society based pooled funding mechanism Start Fund Bangladesh (SFB) found that an investment of just $902 in embankment repairs protected assets and livelihoods worth up to $5.86 million during Cyclone Remal last year.

It concludes that minimal investments in embankment repairs through "anticipatory actions" resulted in significant savings for households and communities.

Anticipatory actions mean steps to reduce harm before a predicted disaster happens or before its worst effects are felt.

So, when the impact of a disaster is contained, the subsequent losses can be covered by insurance.

In a study report, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) says anticipatory actions through disaster management committees at the ward level, combined with insurance coverage, could support disaster-prone farmers, address climate change impacts, and ensure food security in Bangladesh.

The DDM submitted the report to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief last year.

The ministry has committees at the ward level that can identify the right beneficiaries.

Farmers in an insurance scheme under Sadharan Bima Corporation may pay 20 per cent of the premium through mobile financial services, such as Nagad and bKash, while the government can cover the remaining 80 per cent of the premium from the relief fund, said Jalal Ahmed, engineer of the Construction of Flood Shelter Project at the DDM.

Disaster insurance, a key component of climate risk insurance (CRI), includes traditional crop insurance, index-based crop insurance, and weather index-based products.

CRI serves as a financial safety net against extreme weather, helping vulnerable households manage climate shocks, reducing migration pressures, and safeguarding food security, said experts.

Insurance schemes should involve small-scale payouts, enabling farmers to reinvest in agriculture without financial distress, according to experts.

"If farmers receive compensation for damages, they can avoid debt and financial hardships," said Nafisa Tasnim Khan, senior programme officer for Climate Justice and Natural Resources Rights at Oxfam in Bangladesh.

The country ranks as the seventh most vulnerable country to natural disasters globally, according to the Climate Risk Index (2000-2019).

The National Plan for Disaster Management (2021-2025) notes that cyclones such as Roanu, Mora, Fani, Bulbul, and Amphan hit the country's coastal regions, while monsoon floods in 2020 submerged over 36 per cent of the country, impacting 30 districts in the northern, northeastern, and southeastern regions.

This is the backdrop against which Ms Nafisa emphasized the need for CRI to ensure that farmers can quickly recover from losses in one season and prepare for the next cultivation season.

However, there have been many small-scale, donor-supported climate insurance projects in Bangladesh but none of them has shown promise.

Disaster risk reduction measures were the components missing in the projects, experts point out.

"So, non-life insurance combined with anticipatory action and proper early warning systems can be beneficial for small farmers," said Md. Shamsuddoha, chief executive of the Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD).

A study by the CPRD found that only 12.5 per cent of insurers currently offer traditional risk transfer insurance.

Mr Shamsuddoha suggested that insurance schemes should be more effective if applied to large-scale agricultural projects, such as shrimp enclosures in disaster-prone areas, where both insurers and farmers could be benefited.

Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader also advocates for anticipatory actions to minimize damages and insurance coverage to protect livelihoods in flood-prone regions.

Ahmadul Haque, director (admin) of the government-run Cyclone Preparedness Programme, acknowledged the absence of financial investment in climate change adaptation and risk reduction.

He stressed the importance of incorporating index-based climate risk insurance into national disaster risk management strategies and climate adaptation plans to build resilience against losses.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

In India, one of the government institutions has developed an excellent culture from cow dund bacteria. It is called west decomposer. What you have to do is to just add it in water with 2 kg of jaggery and allow it to rest for a week. The culture will have so much of useful bacteria. You can use it to water soil with a very small quantity or spray on plant with water. It will decompose all the bio west into fertilizer. It can work as insecticide as well. It increases the fruit yield by 30%.