[🇧🇩] Agriculture in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Small machinery tailored for farmers can boost output: experts

Small agricultural machines tailored for Bangladesh’s smallholder farmers could drive a new wave of cost-efficient productivity and rural prosperity, experts said at a seminar yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

Small machinery tailored for farmers can boost output: experts

Affordable and easy-to-use agricultural machinery can slash production costs, boost yields, and make farming more sustainable, experts said. Photo: Star/file

Small agricultural machines tailored for Bangladesh's smallholder farmers could drive a new wave of cost-efficient productivity and rural prosperity, experts said at a seminar yesterday.

Highlighting the urgency for labour-saving agri-tech solutions, the speakers stressed that affordable, easy-to-use equipment can slash production costs, boost yields, and make farming more sustainable.

The seminar, titled "Appropriate Mechanization in Bangladesh for Sustainable Smallholders' Arable Crops Farming: From Local Adaptation to Scaling Up," was held at InterContinental Dhaka.

It was organised by the Hub for Smallholders Agri-Tech Economics (HSATE) of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), in collaboration with the International Growth Centre of the University of Oxford.

Associate Professor AKM Abdullah Al-Amin of the BAU and Professor James Lowenberg-DeBoer, Elizabeth Creak Chair of Agri-tech Applied Economics at Harper Adams University, UK, jointly presented research.

The speakers called for greater investment, farmer training, and partnerships with local manufacturers to speed up technology adoption

It showed that small autonomous machines—when adapted to local conditions—can deliver strong economic returns within just a few cropping seasons.

The speakers called for greater investment, farmer training, and partnerships with local manufacturers to speed up technology adoption, warning that rural labour shortages make modernisation no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Al-Amin presented a transformative vision for Bangladesh's smallholder farms, emphasising the economic advantages of labour-saving agricultural technologies tailored to local farming conditions.

He explained that retrofitted small-scale autonomous machines can significantly reduce farming costs by lowering dependence on manual labour while increasing operational efficiency, thus enhancing farmers' profit margins.

Initial investments in small machinery could break even within a few seasons if financing is accessible, he said.

Mechanisation can also allow farmers to intensify production cycles—planting and harvesting more promptly—which would lead to higher annual yields, lift household incomes, reduce rural poverty, and strengthen national food security, Al-Amin added.

On local adaptation, he said the potential for small machines was particularly strong.

Adoption rates could be high if technologies are affordable, easy to use, and simple to maintain, he said.

Partnering with local manufacturers and service providers could foster community-level economic resilience by making farmers active participants in the mechanisation value chain, added Al-Amin.

He also emphasised the need for education and demonstration programmes to build trust in new technologies. Pilot projects, farmer field schools, and digital advisory services could bridge knowledge gaps and catalyse widespread adoption, he said.

While acknowledging challenges like financing barriers and infrastructure limitations, Al-Amin remained optimistic.

He stressed that labour-saving technologies must be inclusive, offering new opportunities for rural women and youth to make agriculture more attractive to the next generation.

Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, stressed the urgent need for accurate agricultural data, strategic planning, and mechanisation to strengthen Bangladesh's farming sector.

He admitted that the sector still lacked a comprehensive strategic framework, making data-driven policymaking difficult.

He emphasised collaboration with the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and other agencies to synchronise government data for better planning regarding production, imports, and exports.

Mian also called for modernisation through technologies such as drones and robotics and urged greater private sector and institutional collaboration.

He invited experts and retired professionals to contribute ideas voluntarily, promising that all contributions would be formally acknowledged.

"Innovative thinking and collaborative efforts are critical to drive transformation," Mian said, adding that accurate crop projections were essential to prevent crises like last year's onion surplus.

In another "Supply Stakeholders' Workshop," ASM Golam Hafeez, member of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission, said rural labour shortages driven by urban migration and demographic shifts were putting farms under strain.

Labour-saving agri-tech offers a timely solution, he said.

However, Hafeez pointed out that not all equipment is suitable for all land types across the country. Mechanisation is needed at every stage—from planting to harvesting—to ensure profitable agriculture, he stressed.

He also noted that about one lakh hectares of cultivable land were being lost annually to housing construction, underlining the urgency for efficient land use.

Valentine Achancho, country director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, said the organisation was ready to cooperate to promote sustainable rural mechanisation.

He emphasised involving educated youth in the agriculture sector to introduce modern practices and boost productivity.

Achancho highlighted that small machines were more appropriate for Bangladesh's fragmented landholdings and called for comprehensive training to ensure farmers use the equipment efficiently.

AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, vice-chancellor of the BAU, also emphasised quality research and innovation to develop suitable small equipment for agro-mechanisation.

"We need win-win agricultural production for both cultivators and consumers through cost efficiency," he said, adding that end users must decide the type of machinery best suited for their needs.

As Bangladesh grapples with changing rural dynamics, experts at the event said labour-saving agri-tech offers a hopeful path toward sustainable growth, rural prosperity, and enhanced food security for millions.​

 

[Saif]

How agro-processing can secure Bangladesh’s export resilience

Bangladesh's agro-processed exports are already rising.

www.thedailystar.net

How agro-processing can secure Bangladesh’s export resilience

Agro-processing is a low-risk, viable export driver. File photo: Reuters

With Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) sector facing growing threats in the form of uncertain global demand, protectionist US tariffs and other issues, the nation focuses on agro-processing as a potential export alternative. As over 40 percent of jobs and 11.02 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) come from agriculture, analysts argue that agro-processing can build upon Bangladesh's agrarian strength, involving less investment outlay and reducing post-harvest losses by improving the shelf life. The switch holds the possibility of diversifying exports, reducing economic vulnerability, and reaching a growing global processed food market that is set to grow to $4.1 trillion by 2027.

Bangladesh's $36 billion RMG industry (Bangladesh Bank data for FY 2023-24), providing the major chunk of export revenues, faces historic hurdles. Its biggest market, the US, which imported $7.34 billion worth of garments in 2024, has imposed additional tariffs on Bangladeshis, as it did to many other countries of the world. This move is expected to negatively impact Bangladesh's RMG exports. Meanwhile, increasing production costs and competition from countries such as Ethiopia, producing low-cost basic garments, are denting Bangladesh's cost leadership. The World Bank warns that over-reliance on RMG exposes the economy to external shocks and demands diversification.

Agro-processing or value addition of raw crops to products like juices, dried fruit, and snacks suits the agrarian economy of Bangladesh, where less initial investment is needed. Agro-processing, unlike RMG, which involves expensive machinery and foreign inputs, utilises existing crops, thus reducing the cost of inputs. For instance, it costs $50,000-100,000 to establish a small-scale fruit processing plant compared to $2-5 million for a medium-scale apparel factory. It also involves less complex technology that suits local entrepreneurs in rural settings.

Bangladesh produces over 40 million metric tonnes of vegetables and fruit every year, yet 30 percent of it gets lost after harvesting due to inadequate processing and storage, as per FAO 2021 statistics. Excessive or perishable fruits may be converted by agro-processing to shelf-stable products that reduce wastage and increase farm income.

Bangladesh's agro-processed exports—$1.2 billion in 2022–23—are already rising. Value-added foods like frozen fish, spices, and potato flakes are exported to 52 nations, including the Middle East, the EU, and Japan. Over 4,500 Bangladeshi products, including processed ones, enjoy duty-free market access in the EU under the Generalised System of Preferences. In 2022, the Middle East imported $2.5 billion worth of processed foods, highlighting significant opportunities for suppliers of halal-certified products.

National Agricultural Policy 2018 prioritised agro-processing by providing tax incentives, low-cost credit, and export incentives. It also aims to increase agro-processing's GDP share to five percent from two percent by 2025. The Export Promotion Bureau 2023 allocated $15 million for establishing 50 village processing clusters equipped with packaging and cold storage facilities.

However, challenges remain. Only 12 percent of agro-processors are certified to meet international safety standards like International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), which limits access to high-value markets. A 2023 World Bank report cites a lack of cold chain infrastructure, with only 15 percent of perishables being transported under refrigeration. Finance remains an issue for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), with banks extending less than five percent of agriculture loans.

Upgrading of technologies, enhancing workers' skills, and streamlining export certification would make Bangladesh globally competitive. Technical skills may be acquired by cooperating with corporations and public-private partnerships would amplify processing zones. Whereas RMG endured turbulence, agro-processing is a low-risk, viable export driver. Value addition to agrarian products can keep Bangladesh's wastage to a bare minimum, empower the locals and earn a spot in the value chain of the world. Through consistent policies and strategic investment, the industry can follow RMG's success template and ensure economic prosperity for future generations.

K.M. Arshad is an undergraduate student of Department of Economics at University of Dhaka.​

 

[Saif]

Unlocking the potential of potato export

The recent surge in Bangladesh's potato exports underscores the crop's growing potential in overseas markets. Potato exports have quadrupled in the current fiscal year, reaching 50,000 tonnes between July and April-up from just 12,300 tonnes in FY 2024. While this volume may not appear massive in a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Unlocking the potential of potato export
Wasi Ahmed
Published :
May 14, 2025 00:04
Updated :
May 14, 2025 00:04

The recent surge in Bangladesh's potato exports underscores the crop's growing potential in overseas markets. Potato exports have quadrupled in the current fiscal year, reaching 50,000 tonnes between July and April-up from just 12,300 tonnes in FY 2024. While this volume may not appear massive in absolute terms, the achievement is notable given that Bangladesh in the past had been a potato-importing country, and grappled with severe domestic price hikes. The current export growth marks a significant shift in the country's agricultural landscape.

The Bangladesh Potato Exporters Association expects exports to exceed 70,000 tonnes by the end of the season. This sharp rise has been largely attributed to robust domestic production and increasing demand in Asian markets. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the country is projected to produce a record-high 11 million tonnes of potatoes this year-approximately 4.0 million tonnes more than the nation's annual requirement.

This surplus presents a valuable opportunity. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of data reliability. Accurate production figures are critical for effective planning and market forecasting. Unfortunately, as has often been the case with other agricultural products, unreliable or inconsistent data have hampered proper assessment and decision-making. Experts believe Bangladesh has consistently produced a surplus of potatoes in recent years, including newer high-yield varieties. But much of this surplus is wasted due to poor storage infrastructure and inadequate steps by the authorities to facilitate export.

Ironically, bumper harvests have often brought distress rather than relief to potato farmers. A lack of storage facilities-especially in the neighborhood of potato-producing areas-combined with an absence of market access and export mechanisms, leaves farmers with limited options. They are frequently forced to sell their produce at unreasonably low prices or suffer losses due to spoilage.

This issue is not unique to potatoes. Similar patterns are seen with other horticultural crops like tomatoes, leafy vegetables, and pineapples. However, the potato situation is perhaps more pressing due to the sheer volume of production and losses incurred.

Despite these challenges, farmers continue to cultivate potatoes, which remain a preferred crop for many due to their relatively low input requirements and adaptability. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) data show that over the years, despite losses incurred by farmers, land area for potato cultivation has been on the rise which goes to explain that farmers still prefer to stick to one of their favourite and relatively easy-to-grow crops. According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), total land area under potato cultivation has been on the increase since 2012 but for a slight fall in 2017. However, last year the country had to import potato due to domestic shortfall. In between July and November, local prices soared to Tk 70-90 a kg, prompting scrutiny of official production figures. Currently, retail prices of potatoes range between Tk 20 and 30 a kg throughout the country---the lowest in three years, suggesting a bumper crop and potential for even greater exports.

Given this context, the country appears poised for a substantial leap in potato exports. A report by The Financial Express, quoting exporters, noted that the current boom is fuelled by a combination of strong domestic yield, falling local prices, increasing international demand, development of new export-quality potato varieties, and slightly reduced cargo fares. Moreover, regional tensions have diverted a portion of export orders from India and Pakistan to Bangladesh, giving local exporters a strategic edge.

Global demand is high, and potatoes are now being exported at $300 per tonne, buoyed by a favourable exchange rate. Exporters are optimistic that another 20,000 tonnes will be shipped this season. Malaysia remains the top destination, with shipments expected to continue for another month, while exports to Nepal may extend up to July.

According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladeshi potatoes are currently exported to 14 countries. Malaysia alone accounts for about 80 per cent of total shipments. Other significant markets include Singapore, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and several Middle Eastern nations. While Russia was once a key importer, exports there have since declined. EPB data also show that export earnings peaked in FY 2014 at over $33 million (from 106,000 tonnes). However, exports dwindled in subsequent years until the current resurgence.

Experts argue that sustainable growth in exports could offer the much-needed relief to farmers-provided the country adopts a more strategic approach. This includes aligning cultivation with the specific preferences and standards of importing countries, especially in terms of sanitary and phytosanitary compliance. Establishing proper storage facilities and developing logistics for timely exports are also essential.

A more organised and market-oriented approach could incentivise quality production, which in turn would be reflected in better prices for farmers. Such a shift would not only enhance rural incomes but also reduce the enormous waste that currently plagues the sector. With coordinated efforts from policymakers, exporters, and agricultural stakeholders, Bangladesh has a real opportunity to transform its potato surplus into a valuable export resource.​

 

[Saif]

Farmers are the main risk-takers in value chain

Shortfalls in supply are the primary cause of price increases of major essential commodities such as rice, potatoes, onions, and eggs, while farmers are the main risk-takers, a central bank study found.

www.thedailystar.net

Farmers are the main risk-takers in value chain
BB study finds

Shortfalls in supply are the primary cause of price increases of major essential commodities such as rice, potatoes, onions, and eggs, while farmers are the main risk-takers, a central bank study found.

The study, titled "A Study on Value Chain Efficiency of the Agricultural Products in Bangladesh", was released by the banking regulator on Tuesday.

It found that supply shortages typically occur during off-peak seasons and are also associated with decreased cultivation areas replaced by other profitable products, production being hampered by floods, and increased pest attacks.

The findings indicate that farmers or producers are the main risk-takers as they might earn a reasonable profit or face losses depending on supply, demand, competition, and production costs.

Other players, such as intermediaries, typically add cost and profit margins before selling products to the next actor, as per the findings.

"During our survey, we saw that farmers and producers are the main risk-takers. They make profits sometimes, but sometimes they face losses," Md Salim Al Mamun, director (research) of the chief economist's unit at the central bank, told The Daily Star

The study also said imports can help stabilise prices of the select agricultural products during the off-peak months, when supply is naturally low.

To ensure price stability without hurting local producers, the government can lower or eliminate import duties before certain months when there are shortages in the supply of respective commodities, it added.

The survey was conducted jointly by the Chief Economist's Unit and the Governor's Office of the central bank. The team surveyed 14 districts on five essential agricultural products: rice, potatoes, onions, eggs, and broiler chicken.

The study found that a significant amount of profit is earned by the farmers while intermediaries and wholesalers gain small margins in the case of rice and paddy production during the survey period.

Rice millers in the supply chain play a crucial role, setting prices based on milling costs and market demand and supply conditions for paddy and rice, and making profits both from rice sales and byproduct income, as per the study.

The study finds that big wholesalers, colloquially known as aratdars, and retail sellers for rice, both in local and urban markets, set prices based on supply, demand, and competition.

When there are rice and paddy supply shortages, implementing a reliable and transparent price range, particularly for millers and aratdars, is critical, and close monitoring of stocks is also needed, it added.

Floods and excessive pest attacks, higher prices of fertilisers and pesticides, electricity, wages, and labor contribute to higher production costs at the farmer level, said the study, adding that increased transportation and labor costs at the intermediary levels also lead to an increase in rice prices.​

 

[Saif]

Youth in agriculture

With Bangladesh set on course of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the role of youth in transforming the agricultural sector could never be more critical. Agriculture, which contributes around 12.7 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and provides livelihoo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Youth in agriculture
A strategic imperative for sustainable future

Makhan Lal Dutta
Published :
May 24, 2025 00:20
Updated :
May 24, 2025 00:20

With Bangladesh set on course of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the role of youth in transforming the agricultural sector could never be more critical. Agriculture, which contributes around 12.7 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and provides livelihoods for over one-third of the workforce, is at a crossroads. With an aging farming population and increasing urban migration, youth engagement in agriculture has become not only a development priority but also a strategic imperative for national resilience.

The demographic dividend and sectoral disconnect: Bangladesh boasts a youthful population, with approximately 30 per cent aged between 15 and 35. This demographic construct presents immense potential for innovation, entrepreneurship and productivity gains in agriculture. Yet, paradoxically, most young people are disengaged from farming. Agriculture is often perceived as low-income, labour-intensive and lacking in prestige particularly among educated youth. This perception, combined with structural barriers, has led to a widening generational gap in farming communities.

The average age of Bangladeshi farmers is over 50, underscoring a critical concern: Who will feed the nation in the coming decades?

Agribusiness and innovation - Changing the narrative: To reposition agriculture as a viable and attractive career path, it must be seen through the lens of enterprise and innovation. Young people are naturally drawn to technology, adaptability, and entrepreneurship — traits essential for modern agribusiness.

The rise of digital platforms such as iFarmer, Khamar-e, and Krishi Call Centres illustrates how technology can revolutionise access to inputs, market intelligence, finance, and extension services. Youth-led ventures in areas like hydroponics, vertical farming, agri-logistics, and mobile advisory services are already reshaping rural economies.

Bangladesh’s smart farming ecosystem is expanding, but it needs to be scaled and institutionalised.

Structural barriers-Addressing the gaps: Despite emerging opportunities, several persistent barriers hinder meaningful youth participation:

• Limited access to land and finance. Many aspiring young farmers lack legal land ownership and collateral—- conditions that restrict or prevent them from accessing formal credit.

• Skills mismatch.: Existing agricultural curricula often fail to equip youth with practical, entrepreneurial, and climate-resilient farming skills.

• Weak policy implementation.: While youth engagement is mentioned in national policies, translation into grassroots action remains inadequate.

• Social perception: Farming continues to be undervalued socially, which discourages educated youth from entering the sector.
Towards a youth-inclusive agricultural ecosystem: To unlock the full potential of youth in agriculture, Bangladesh must adopt a holistic and forward-looking strategy:

1. Promoting Agripreneurship. Establish dedicated start-up incubators, innovation labs, and business development services tailored to agri-based enterprises.

2. Enhancing access to finance. Introduce youth-friendly financial products, including credit guarantees, micro-insurance, and digital lending platforms.

3. Modernising education and training. Integrate digital agriculture, agribusiness management, and climate-smart practices into formal education and TVET institutions.

4. Facilitate land access. Encourage innovative land-leasing models and cooperatives to support landless rural youth.

5. Strengthen policy frameworks. Operationalise youth-centric policies at the local level through coordinated government, private sector and development partner engagement.

Catalysing green growth through youth: The youth of Bangladesh have already proved themselves as agents of change in agriculture. Whether through drone technology for pest surveillance, bio-fertiliser production, or sustainable aquaculture, they are at the forefront of a green transformation. Institutions like the Krishi Gobeshona Foundation (KGF), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), and agricultural universities can play a pivotal role in nurturing this momentum by investing in research, mentorship, and scale-up support for youth-led innovations.

Youth engagement in agriculture is not merely a policy option, it is a necessity for Bangladesh’s food security, rural prosperity, and economic resilience. With the right incentives, enabling environment, and investment in capacity-building, Bangladesh can cultivate a new generation of agripreneurs who will drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
If Bangladesh wants to secure the future of the food systems and rural economies, the time to invest in youth in agriculture is now.

The author is a development professional. He also serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Harvesting Knowledge Consultancy.​

 

[Saif]

Our farmers are leading the fight against climate change

Bangladesh offers not just dire warnings but grounded wisdom.

www.thedailystar.net

Our farmers are leading the fight against climate change

Bangladeshi farmers, living on the frontlines of climate disruption, are pioneering solutions that are shaping a new blueprint for survival. File Photo: Palash Khan

In the heart of Bangladesh's rural belt, a silent revolution is underway. While global leaders debate climate action, 1.65 crore Bangladeshi farm households are already battling its impact in the forms of flash floods, prolonged droughts, salinisation, and invasive pests. Between 2000 and 2023, climate-related disasters caused over Tk 1,200 crore in agricultural losses. Yet, amid this turmoil, farmers are pioneering grassroots solutions: floating gardens in flood-prone haors; drought-resistant crops in Rajshahi; and saline-tolerant rice in coastal Satkhira. These innovations—low-cost, climate-smart, and scalable—are quietly transforming survival into resilience. Farmlands in this country are becoming global classrooms for adaptation in a warming world.

Climate volatility has transformed Bangladesh from a fertile delta to a battleground for survival. According to the World Bank'sGroundswell Report (2021), nearly 1.33 crore Bangladeshis may be displaced by climate-induced stress by 2050, most of them in rural areas. Agriculture, which employs over 40 percent of the workforce and contributes 11.2 percent to GDP (BBS, 2023), bears the brunt.

Cyclones Sidr (2007), Aila (2009), and Amphan (2020) alone caused combined agricultural losses exceeding Tk 150 crore. Salinity intrusion, now affecting over 10 lakh hectares in the coastal belt (Soil Resource Development Institute, 2022), is pushing farmers out of traditional rice production. In the northwestern Barind Tract, rainfall variability has reduced monsoon intensity, undermining rainfed farming.

Even more troubling is the collapse of seasonal predictability. Crop calendars that once guided sowing and harvesting have become irrelevant now, making traditional farming knowledge less reliable with each passing year.

Yet, this is not a tale of despair; it is one of ingenuity. Across Bangladesh, farmers are transforming adversity into opportunity through grassroots innovations. In Satkhira, Rahima Begum, once unable to grow rice due to salinity, now cultivates BRRI Dhan67, a salt-tolerant rice variety developed by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI). This variety tolerates up to eight dS/m salinity and yields 4.5 tonnes per hectare, a lifeline for over 250,000 coastal farmers (BRRI Annual Report, 2022).

In haor (wetland) areas of Kishoreganj and Sunamganj, floating agriculture is making a comeback. Revived with modern composting techniques, these bamboo-based dhap platforms, first documented in the 17th century, are enabling year-round vegetable cultivation on floodwaters. A pilot project by FAO in 2021 found that floating gardens increased household nutrition scores by 35 percent and provided women-led income streams.

In the dry zones of Rajshahi, alternate wetting and drying (AWD) methods, promoted by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), are helping conserve water by 25-30 percent while maintaining yield. In these drought-prone areas, where groundwater tables are falling by three to four centimetres annually (Barind Multipurpose Development Authority, 2023), AWD adoption is a game changer.

Similarly, farmers are switching to short-duration varieties like BINA Dhan-7 and BINA Dhan-17, which mature in 100-105 days, helping them harvest before floods. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), using pheromone traps and biopesticides, is reducing pesticide costs by 40 percent in pilot districts like Jashore and Natore (Department of Agricultural Extension, 2022).

Women play a critical but under-recognised role in climate adaptation. According to a 2024 study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), farms managed or co-managed by women in Bangladesh show 28 percent more crop diversity and 20 percent higher adoption of adaptive techniques.

In Khulna, Fatema Khatun and her group of 35 women farmers transitioned to saline-tolerant vegetables and crab-fattening units. In the north, women-led nurseries and vermicomposting units are diversifying household incomes and ensuring seed availability at local levels. These initiatives often outperform top-down interventions due to their contextual knowledge and community trust.

However, access barriers persist. Only 3.5 percent of women own agricultural land (BBS Gender Statistics, 2023), and fewer than 10 percent receive formal agricultural training. Addressing these gaps is essential to unlocking their full potential in climate resilience.

What Bangladesh's farmers are pioneering are not isolated tactics; they are scalable, cost-effective models for climate adaptation. Floating farms, saline-resistant crops, and community-based irrigation are being studied by global platforms like the CGIAR Initiative on Climate Resilience and FAO's Scaling-Up Agroecology Initiative.

The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report 2022 cites Bangladesh's adaptive agricultural strategies as case studies in successful local adaptation. These strategies align with principles of agroecology, ecosystem-based adaptation, and low-emission development, all vital for meeting the Paris Agreement targets.

Bangladesh's updated National Adaptation Plan (NAP 2023-2050) recognises these innovations, calling for Tk 850 crore in investments in climate-resilient agriculture, research, and early warning systems. The roadmap exists. What's needed now is execution.

Three priority areas demand immediate action. First, climate finance must reach the grassroots, yet as of 2023, only eight percent of international climate funds in Bangladesh reached local communities, according to Climate Finance Transparency Initiative. Second, gender-responsive investments are critical: women farmers must gain access to land rights, finance, and training to scale their contributions. Finally, research and extension services need urgent revitalisation. Institutions like BRRI, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), and Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) require consistent investment to develop and deliver climate-smart technologies that can safeguard livelihoods and secure future harvests.

As the world waits for COP30 in November, Bangladesh offers not just dire warnings but grounded wisdom. Its farmers, living on the frontlines of climate disruption, are pioneering solutions that are shaping a new blueprint for survival. These innovations are not theories from labs, but tested tools from the soil: resilient, scalable, and deeply rooted in lived reality.

This is not a story of despair but of determination. Adaptation is already happening in fields, not forums. But to grow this momentum, global leaders must act where it matters most. Because the future of climate resilience won't be built in air-conditioned halls; it will be grown, seed by seed, in fields.

Dr Shahrina Akhtar is specialist (technical) and research adviser at Krishi Gobeshona Foundation.​

 

[Saif]

Research into nano-urea can transform our agricultural sector

Nano-urea offers a promising solution to tackle present and future challenges in fertiliser supply and sustainability.

www.thedailystar.net

Research into nano-urea can transform our agricultural sector

To cope with the growing population, climate change, and environmental challenges, scientifically sound and sustainable technologies must be adopted in agriculture. PHOTO: MOSTAFA SABUJ

In 1913, the German scientist Fritz Haber successfully synthesised ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen—a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern chemical fertilisers. Since then, scientists have continually developed new technologies to meet the growing food demands. The most recent and notable addition to this progress is nano-urea, hailed as a groundbreaking advancement in the agricultural sector.

Bangladesh, with its predominantly agrarian economy, relies heavily on fertilisers to meet food demands. To cope with the growing population, climate change, and environmental challenges, scientifically sound and sustainable technologies must be adopted in agriculture. Experts believe that the integration of nanotechnology in agriculture will play a transformative role in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable development.

Amidst global urea shortages, the demand for and necessity of nano-urea is immense. The Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) oversees several fertiliser plants, with a combined annual urea production capacity of approximately 2.3 million metric tonnes as of FY 2024–25. In the FY 2023–24, Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) produced about 527,271 metric tonnes of urea, necessitating the import of 1.66 million metric tonnes to meet the total demand. Despite efforts to boost domestic production, Bangladesh still relies heavily on imports. In this context, nano-urea offers a promising solution to tackle present and future challenges in fertiliser supply and sustainability.

The use of fertilisers dates back to ancient times, with early civilisations like the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Romans applying natural substances to enrich soil. Scientific approaches emerged in the 18th century with crop rotation and gypsum use. In the 19th century, Justus von Liebig popularised the Law of the Minimum which states that a single and essential resource restricts plant growth even if other resources are abundant, while John Bennet Lawes founded first chemical fertiliser factory. The 20th century brought major advances, including the Haber-Bosch process in 1913, which enabled industrial-scale ammonia production and transformed global agronomy. This legacy of innovation continues today with the advent of nano-urea—a promising frontier in sustainable agriculture.

Urea is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Like food for humans, fertilisers nourish plants. For healthy and balanced growth, plants require a specific set of nutrients, without which their development is impaired. The three primary macronutrients in fertilisers are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Urea, chemically known as carbamide contains about 46 percent nitrogen, a key component of proteins crucial for vegetative growth. It is highly water-soluble and stable, enhancing the growth of leaves, stems, and overall productivity of the plant.

However, a major drawback of conventional fertilisers is the loss of nutrients after soil application, due to factors like rainwater runoff and evaporation. As a result, plants are often deprived of their required nourishment.

In contrast to conventional urea, the nanotechnology-based fertiliser uses ultrafine particles (20–50 nanometres) and requires up to 80 percent less volume with equal or better yields. A single 500 ml bottle of nano-urea can replace a 45-kg bag of traditional urea. Applied as a foliar spray, nano-urea is directly absorbed by plant leaves, minimising nutrient loss. It delivers nitrogen gradually, ensuring sustained nutrition and reduced environmental harm. As a result, nano-urea is eco-friendly, efficient in smaller quantities, and economically viable—emerging as a promising tool for the future of sustainable agriculture.

Currently, India is leading the production and marketing of nano-urea. Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) launched the world's first nao-urea in June 2021, marking a breakthrough in sustainable agriculture. IFFCO now has the capacity to produce approximately 200,000 bottles daily. By the end of 2024, the company aims to scale up annual production to three billion bottles, equivalent to 13.5 million tonnes of conventional urea. Nano-urea is already being exported to more than 25 countries, including the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.

Bangladesh has also begun research on nano-urea as part of agricultural extension efforts. In a recent article, Dr Md Roushon Jamal highlighted the growing importance of nano-urea in the country. Although the use of nanotechnology for urea production is still in its early stages in Bangladesh, institutions like Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), and Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) have initiated exploratory research in this field. Notably, Prof Dr Md Jabed Hossain Khan, a professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), has made a significant breakthrough by successfully developing a locally produced nano-urea fertiliser. According to his findings, cultivating one bigha of land would require only Tk 230 worth of nano-urea—a stark contrast to the current cost of around Tk 4,200, suggesting a potential cost reduction of approximately 82 percent. However, extensive research is still needed to fully understand the effects of nano-urea due to its unique composition and nanoscale properties.

From early dependence on organic fertilisers to the chemical revolution introduced by conventional urea, agriculture is now entering a new era with the advent of advanced nano-urea. To build a resilient agricultural future, Bangladesh must adopt a holistic strategy that promotes research and development, enhances logistics and infrastructure, supports farmer training programmes, ensures the production of nano-urea that meets global standards, and encourages its field-level application. With these measures in place, Bangladesh holds the potential to build a green, sustainable, agriculture-based economy. And nano-urea could be a key driving force in realising that vision.

Dr Md. Wasikur Rahman is professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Jashore University of Science and Technology and assistant research scientist at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.​

 

[Saif]

Smart farming to help farmers

During its emergence as an independent nation more than half a century back, agriculture was the mainstay of the economy with 85 per cent of the population dependent on it. And agriculture's share of the GDP was 80 per cent. With increase in productivity through irrigation, introduction of high yie

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Smart farming to help farmers

SYED FATTAHUL ALIM
Published :
May 26, 2025 23:40
Updated :
May 26, 2025 23:40

During its emergence as an independent nation more than half a century back, agriculture was the mainstay of the economy with 85 per cent of the population dependent on it. And agriculture's share of the GDP was 80 per cent. With increase in productivity through irrigation, introduction of high yielding varieties of crops including intermediate crops, better inputs and mechanisation, employment in the sector has gradually declined and now 45 per cent of the population still depends on agriculture for work. With simultaneous developments in the industrial and the service sectors, agriculture's contribution to GDP has come down to around 11 per cent, according to official statistics. Actually, due to increased productivity, agriculture's share of the GDP should be higher and, unofficially, it is believed that it is around 17-18 per cent.

Fragmentation of land due to inheritance and ever-shrinking area of arable land thanks to urbanisation, now per capita land available is around 0.67 acres. This is too small for commercial agriculture (which requires at least 300 to 500acres) to expand. So, self-sufficiency in food will be confined to mere political slogans, while food security remaining an unresolved issue. So to make the most of whatever we have, optimal use of technology and improved management techniques can still play their roles. Agricultural startups (agri-tech startups) are emerging globally to meet growing demand for food. Bangladesh is no exception. Bangladeshi agri-tech startups are offering financial solutions to farmers, helping with marketing linkages as well as providing information and technology services. However, to enable farmers to utllise the agri-tech services, there should be a government programme to increase digital literacy among farmers.

At the same time, cheap credit should be available among small and medium scale farmers, so they might use the services being provided by the startups. Similarly, for the agri-tech startups to be able to expand and widen their services, the government would also be required to play its facilitating role through extending policy and other types of support to them. It is worthwhile to note here that with the advancement of technologies such as AI and IoT (Internet of Things-physical objects embedded with software, sensors and other technologies so they might connect and exchange data with each other over the internet) and big data analytics to influence future agticultural practices everywhere sooner or later, a wave of new opportunities for the startups are being created. The emerging trends and the promises the technologies offer include, for instance, precision agriculture, AI-driven crop management, IoT integration, robotics and automation, blockchain for traceability and transparency, and lastly, sustainability and climate resilience. Together these trends make up what is known as smart farming.

The first-noted precision agriculture is about the use of data to leverage farming techniques. This helps the farmer to assess production factors like soil, water and crop health. Making use of satellite imaging, GPS and sensory technology, the farmer can apply water, fertilisers and pesticides correctly enhancing productivity and minimizing wastage. In traditional farming, the same treatment is applied to the entire field. But in precision agriculture, inputs are tailored to real-time data helping farmers to monitor soil health, know about changing weather patterns and decide on when to go for planting or harvesting. As noted in the foregoing, key technologies used in precision farming include GPS (Global Positioning System) and GIS (Geographical Information System).

These technologies help farmers to create detailed maps of their fields so they can identify variations in soil fertility, moisture levels and crop growth. IoT sensors collect data on soil moisture, temperature and plant health, while drones take real-time images of pest attack and nutrient deficiencies, etc. Automation driven by AI, on the other hand, helps tractors, seeders and harvesters cut labour costs and ensure precise application of inputs. Variable Rate Technology (VRT) is another aspect of precision agriculture that helps decide the amounts of water, fertilisers and pesticides based on the conditions at different spots of the same field. All the technologies which are part of precision agriculture can help farmers to be economical, precise and less wasteful in applying the inputs. However, agri-tech startups will be there to assist farmers to use the technologies.​