[🇧🇩] Agriculture in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Advanced agri-info tool for farmers

Given that the amount of arable land is not only limited but has also been shrinking over the years, while the population depending on it for food and work is ever-growing, it was understood long before the emergence of the modern hi-tech era that technology was the answer to agriculture's Achilles

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Advanced agri-info tool for farmers

FE
Published :
May 28, 2025 00:14
Updated :
May 28, 2025 00:14

Given that the amount of arable land is not only limited but has also been shrinking over the years, while the population depending on it for food and work is ever-growing, it was understood long before the emergence of the modern hi-tech era that technology was the answer to agriculture's Achilles heel, its low productivity. A series of discussion events has been hel of late with the participation of stakeholders including people from the government's ministry concerned and experts both local and from abroad. At one such talks held recently in the city, the government came up with its 'Agriculture Future Outlook Plan 2025' which is said to be a strategic roadmap to deliver the fruits of advanced technology to the farming community's doorstep.

The key aspect of the strategic roadmap was a mobile application software developed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), the apex agri-research body under the Ministry of Agriculture. The app styled 'Khamari app' is said to be a repository of comprehensive agricultural information and tools unlike similar ones released in the past. The previous such apps, for instance, the one bearing identical name was released in November, 2023. But that app was focused on reducing expenses only on fertilizer as well as increasing crop yield. However, the latest version of the 'Khamari app' is reportedly, a comprehensive one as it would provide a wider range of information such as crop recommendation based on land suitability, fertility, fertiliser requirements, seed quantities, cropping patterns, etc. Also, it would, as told by its innovators, provide real-time market information thereby helping farmers to adopt pricing and sales strategies.

The app would also provide farmers with crop management tools enabling them to optimise farming practices. No doubt, the new app has enormous potential and it is hoped its intended users would be able to put the digital information tool to good use. However, the problem is the literacy rate among farmers is very low. True, most of them are familiar with modern smart phones and they can use those for personal communication as well as operate the inbuilt digital camera. But when it comes to reading and understanding information, let alone scientific information, then it would be a real challenge both before the potential users and the introducers of the app. In that case, the real task before the agricultural extension workers would be to make the intended users, the marginal, small and medium farmers digitally literate so they might take decisions on sensitive matters including crop management, application of inputs, marketing their crops and so on.

More important than the literacy issue is the lack of capital, especially among the small and marginal farmers. In fact, from buying inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and maintaining cost of irrigation to hiring help for hoeing, harvesting, post-harvest transport cost to market their crops, they are constantly handicapped by financial constraints. Similarly, buying a digital device to operate the particular app for required information related to production and marketing is also going to be an additional investment for the cash-strapped farmers. While the government's priority will be ensuring the nation's food security, for farmers it will be maintaining a livelihood with at least two square meals a day. Hopefully, the government's central focus would be on farmers, the potential users of the 'Khamari app'.​

 

[Saif]

Jashore farmers reap good profits from paddy farming

Farmer Tahid Moni of Jashore has been earning Tk 17,000 to Tk 20,000 in profit by cultivating paddy on one bigha of land. He considers paddy cultivation his source of year-round financial security. Despite the rising production costs, he is still able to make a good profit from paddy cultivation

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jashore farmers reap good profits from paddy farming

OUR CORRESPONDENT
Published :
May 28, 2025 09:55
Updated :
May 28, 2025 09:55

Farmer Tahid Moni of Jashore has been earning Tk 17,000 to Tk 20,000 in profit by cultivating paddy on one bigha of land.

He considers paddy cultivation his source of year-round financial security. Despite the rising production costs, he is still able to make a good profit from paddy cultivation alone.

Moni said that due to the increasing price of essentials and fertilisers, many farmers tend to move away from paddy farming.

However, he continues to grow paddy without any major difficulties.

This season, he cultivated paddy on six and a half bighas of land. Due to untimely rain, some of the crops were damaged. Yet he harvested 145 maunds of paddy. According to his calculations, after all expenses, including fertilisers and labour, he made a profit of approximately Tk 24,500.

Another farmer, Aiyub Hossain, said he has been cultivating BRRI paddy on six and a half bighas for the past eight years.

This year, heavy rainfall damaged some parts of his crop, but he still managed to get a decent yield.Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said if weather remains favourable and irrigation and fertilisation are done properly, farmers can easily profit from paddy cultivation.

The paddy farmers of Jashore are reaping good profits this year despite high input costs.

According to local farmers, cultivating one bigha (33 decimals) of land for paddy requires an investment of around Tk 12,000 to Tk 20,000, including irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides and labour. Water for irrigation from deep tube-wells costs Tk 2,000 per bigha, with an additional Tk 4,000 to Tk 6,000 spent on fertilisers and pesticides.

Seedlings and land preparation can cost Tk 1,000 to Tk 2,000, while harvesting expenses may reach up to Tk 3,000. In total, the cost per bigha can climb to Tk 20,000.

However, with paddy selling at Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,300 per maund (approximately 37 kg), each bigha yields 12 to 15 maunds, resulting in gross earnings of Tk 14,400 to Tk 19,500 per bigha-often leaving farmers with profits of up to Tk 5,000.

Farmers are finding this season particularly profitable due to favourable weather and high market prices.

With production costs mostly covered, many are using the profit for household expenses or to pay off previous loans.

Farmers of Bablur Rahman, Shahinur Rahman, Ali Hossain, Ajimuddin in Jashore's Sharsha, Jhikargacha, Manirampur, Bagharpara, and Keshabpur upazilas said that despite fears of losses earlier in the season due to rising input prices, they are now relieved. Fields are filled with mature, golden paddy ready for harvest. Local farmers like

Agricultural officers confirmed that both yield and quality were above average this season. Abdur Rashid, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Jashore, said, "Around 0.25 million (2.5 lakh) tonnes of boro paddy have been harvested across 62,000 hectares. The average yield was 4.5 tonnes per hectare."

He added that farmers received proper support, and many used hybrid varieties that yielded more grain.​

 

[Saif]

Agricultural credit recovery increases by 8pc in July-March

The recovery of agricultural credits has increased by 8 per cent during the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2024-2025 (FY25) compared to the same period of the previous fiscal. In July-March of FY25, the recovery of agricultural credit by all scheduled banks increased by 8 percent to

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Agricultural credit recovery increases by 8pc in July-March

BSS
Published :
May 30, 2025 18:23
Updated :
May 30, 2025 18:23

The recovery of agricultural credits has increased by 8 per cent during the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2024-2025 (FY25) compared to the same period of the previous fiscal.

In July-March of FY25, the recovery of agricultural credit by all scheduled banks increased by 8 percent to Tk 274.43 billion compared to Tk 254.11 billion during the same period of the fiscal year 2023-24 (FY24), according to the Bangladesh Bank (BB) latest data.

This overall increase was primarily driven by the 14.26 percent rise in recoveries from Private Commercial Banks (PCBs) and 8.92 percent rise in recoveries from State owned Specialized Banks (SOSBs).

In contrast, State-Owned Commercial Banks (SOCBs) and Foreign Commercial Banks (FCBs) recorded a decline of 1.72 percent and 52.08 percent respectively in recovery.

According to the data, recovery of agricultural credit by all scheduled banks was Tk 30.20 billion in March of FY25, reflecting a 14.10 percent rise from Tk 26.46 billion recovered in February of FY25 and a 9.84 percent increase compared to Tk 27.49 billion recovered in March of FY24.

The highest recovery of Tk 37.64 billion was made in September last year, while the lowest, Tk 25.54 billion, was recorded in July.

However, scheduled banks have disbursed Tk 248.61 billion of agricultural loan during the first nine-month of the fiscal.

Of the total amount, state-owned banks disbursed over Tk 101.33 billion, while foreign and private commercial banks together provided over Tk 14,727 billion.

In July-March of FY25, agricultural credit disbursement by all scheduled banks remained crop-focused, with the crops sub-sector receiving 47 percent of total credit, up from 45 percent in the same period of FY24.

Livestock and poultry rose slightly to 25 percent in July-March of FY25 from 24 percent in July-March of FY24, while fisheries increased to 15 percent in July-March of FY25 from 14 percent in July-March of FY24.

Conversely, allocations to poverty alleviation and other sectors fell to 4 percent and 9 percent in July-March of FY25 from 6 percent and 11 percent in July-March of FY24 respectively.

These shifts highlight a stronger emphasis on crops and fisheries. These shifts indicate a reallocation of resources toward more productive subsectors, with increased emphasis on crops and fisheries for contributing to food security, while support for poverty alleviation and other sectors has seen a relative decline.

The central bank said BB provides consistent support to Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) and Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) through a short-term agricultural refinance facility backed by government guarantee to promote agricultural development and ensure food security.

The agricultural credit disbursement target has been set at Tk 380.00 billion for all scheduled banks in FY25, marking an 8.57 percent increase compared to the disbursement target of Tk 350.00 billion for the previous fiscal year.

The target of agricultural credit disbursement comprises Tk 33.15 billion for SOCBs, Tk 93.00 billion for SOSBs, Tk 241.21 billion for PCBs, and Tk 12.64 billion for FCBs for FY25.​

 

[Saif]

Artificial intelligence in agriculture

SINCE its emergence as an independent nation, Bangladesh has relied heavily on agriculture as the bedrock of its economy. To this day, the sector continues to employ more than a third of the national workforce. Recent figures from Statista (2025)...

www.newagebd.net

Artificial intelligence in agriculture
by Kazi Md Samiul Hoq 31 May, 2025, 00:00

SINCE its emergence as an independent nation, Bangladesh has relied heavily on agriculture as the bedrock of its economy. To this day, the sector continues to employ more than a third of the national workforce. Recent figures from Statista (2025) indicate that 36.86 per cent of the country’s working population remains engaged in agriculture. Yet, despite this central role, the sector is beset with enduring challenges — low productivity, inefficient supply chains, volatile prices and restricted market access chief among them. These obstacles have long impeded the ability of agricultural entrepreneurs to evolve beyond mere subsistence and embrace a more market-oriented model. Against the backdrop of a global digital shift, a pressing question now emerges: are agri-entrepreneurs in Bangladesh prepared to adopt artificial intelligence for strategic marketing?

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept confined to academic journals or futuristic labs. In modern agriculture, it is already reshaping operations — introducing automation, data-driven decision-making and predictive insights that enhance productivity and profitability. Artificial intelligence-powered tools offer considerable promise for Bangladeshi agri-entrepreneurs. With predictive analytics, farmers can better anticipate market demand, monitor pricing patterns and decode consumer trends, enabling them to align production and distribution strategies with real-time data. Moreover, artificial intelligence allows for nuanced customer segmentation — distinguishing, for instance, between urban retail buyers and wholesale rural markets. Even logistics, long a pain point for rural producers, can be revolutionised through intelligent systems that reduce post-harvest losses and streamline supply chains.

While such developments may appear out of reach in Bangladesh, they are already taking root in other parts of Asia. China, in particular, has made notable strides through initiatives like ‘rural taobao,’ developed by Alibaba. This programme has provided farmers with AI-enhanced tools for direct-to-consumer engagement, dramatically increasing both market access and income in remote regions. In comparison, Bangladesh’s digital farming initiatives — iFarmer and Krishi Network being notable examples — show considerable potential but remain disjointed. Though these platforms connect farmers with finance, advisory services and market data, they lack the comprehensive, AI-integrated ecosystems seen in China. The technology exists, the interest is growing, yet overall readiness remains uncertain.

The reasons for this hesitancy are multifaceted. Perhaps the most significant barrier is digital illiteracy. As Dr Shahana Esmh noted in a 2022 study, ‘Without digital literacy, AI tools are useless to rural farmers who cannot interpret or trust what the technology is telling them.’ Most smallholder farmers in Bangladesh have limited, if any, experience with data platforms, AI dashboards, or mobile applications that require understanding of analytics or predictive charts. This digital unfamiliarity is further exacerbated by infrastructural shortcomings. Many rural regions suffer from poor internet connectivity, rendering even the most sophisticated technologies inaccessible.

Affordability also poses a major obstacle. Advanced technologies come at a cost that many smallholders simply cannot shoulder. Amina Binte Karim, who runs an agri-tech startup in Rajshahi, aptly remarked, ‘Most rural farmers cannot afford a system they barely understand and do not see immediate returns from.’ The lack of supportive policy compounds the problem. A 2023 report by the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies highlights the dearth of government incentives in this domain. There is minimal state-led investment in rural digital infrastructure, little to no support for AI-focused agricultural research, and a near-total absence of programmes designed to upskill farmers in digital literacy. In contrast, China’s progress has been underpinned by robust state intervention: strategic investments in rural connectivity, subsidies for e-commerce platforms, and nationwide training initiatives. As Dr Qiang Li of JD Agriculture remarked at a global forum, ‘Our strength was not just technology — it was our ability to make that technology usable by everyone, even a 60-year-old farmer in a remote village.’

For Bangladesh to harness artificial intelligence in agriculture meaningfully, a coordinated, inclusive strategy is imperative. To begin with, the formulation of a National Digital Agriculture Policy is long overdue. Such a policy must encourage private sector involvement, fund artificial intelligence-centric agricultural research and prioritise investment in rural infrastructure. Equally vital is the localisation of technology. This involves developing interfaces in Bangla, incorporating voice commands, and simplifying tools for users with minimal literacy. Research underscores the importance of local language innovation, noting that such adaptations significantly enhance adoption rates, especially when paired with intuitive design.

Furthermore, digital literacy must be placed at the heart of any technological transformation. Government agencies, non-profits and private enterprises need to collaborate to offer practical training, demonstration projects, and peer-led learning models. Farmers are more likely to trust a technology when they see a neighbour benefit from it. Additionally, expanding broadband infrastructure in rural areas must be treated as a national development priority, with subsidies extended to telecom operators willing to venture into under-served zones. Supporting innovation from within is also essential. Establishing startup incubators focused on artificial intelligence applications in agriculture could nurture homegrown solutions. These incubators should provide seed capital, mentorship and access to markets. Finally, a centralised, open-access agri-data platform must be developed — one that offers real-time updates on market prices, soil health, pest outbreaks and weather patterns, accessible to all stakeholders from policymakers to the smallest landholders.

Ultimately, artificial intelligence-enhanced strategic marketing is no longer a distant ideal — it is a practical necessity. The agricultural landscape globally is undergoing a rapid transformation and data is now as critical as water or fertiliser. Should Bangladesh fail to embrace this shift, its agri-sector risks falling further behind, left mired in inefficiencies while neighbouring economies surge ahead. China’s journey is not merely instructive — it is a workable model. As Dr Wei aptly put it, ‘The future of farming lies in the hands of those who combine data with soil.’ Bangladesh possesses the soil and the human resources. What remains is the infrastructure, the vision, and the will to act. The moment for deliberation has passed. The imperative now is action.

Kazi Md Samiul Hoq is BBA student at the North South University.​

 

[Saif]

Export-oriented agro industries emphasised

Home affairs and agriculture adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday said Bangladesh’s agro-based industries should be more export-oriented to prepare the sector to face post-LDC graduation challenges...

www.newagebd.net

Export-oriented agro industries emphasised
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 31 May, 2025, 22:49

Home affairs and agriculture adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday said Bangladesh’s agro-based industries should be more export-oriented to prepare the sector to face post-LDC graduation challenges.

Jahangir Alam said this at a workshop titled- Local Level Stakeholders Consultation on Inclusive, Smooth and Sustainable LDC Graduation in Munshiganj.

Support to Sustainable Graduation Project (SSGP) of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) organised the workshop in collaboration with the Munshiganj district administration at Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Room.

Industries adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, special assistant to the chief adviser Anisuzzaman Chowdhury and ERD Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky also attended the workshop as guests.

Deputy Commissioner of Munshiganj Fatema Tul Jannat was in the chair while SSGP Project Director AHM Jahangir delivered the welcome speech.

Priority should be given on good governance for preparing the country for post-graduation challenges, Jahangir Alam said.

Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said Munshiganj has all the potentials to become a major hub for small and medium enterprises.

Focusing on the development experience of East and South-East Asian countries, special assistant to the chief adviser Anisuzzaman Chowdhury stressed on national unity and solidarity for achieving the long-term national goals.

ERD secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky emphasized on active initiatives from the private sector along with the government in meeting the challenges of LDC graduation. He also observed that there are scopes for setting up a biotechnology village in Munshiganj.

Former additional secretary to the government and Component Manager of SSGP Dr. Rezaul Bashar delivered a presentation providing an overview of LDC Graduation process and its implications.

Former Member of Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission and Component Manager of SSGP Dr. Mostafa Abid Khan delivered a presentation on “Strategies for Smooth and Sustainable Graduation, and the Role of Local Level Stakeholders.”

International Trade Expert of SSGP Nesar Ahmed, Principal of Govt. Haraganga College Professor Nazmun Nahar, ADC (Education and ICT) of Munshiganj Mahmudur Rahman Khondoker, founder of Yunus Khan Memorial College Faridur Rahman Khan and President of Munshiganj Press Club Bachiruddin Jewel spoke on the occasion.

Speakers at the workshop observed that there are huge potentials for developing agro-processing and tourism industries in Munshiganj.

In this context, they called for infrastructure development, expansion of transport networks, ensuring the supply of gas and electricity in factories and skill enhancement of the local youth.

It is notable that Bangladesh met all the criteria for graduation from the LDC status during the triennial review of the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) of the United Nations back in 2018 and 2021.

The country is set to leave the list of LDCs by 2026 after enjoying a preparatory period of five years. Bangladesh is attaching highest priority to ensure smooth and sustainable graduation with momentum.

The country has also formulated a Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders.

ERD has undertaken a project called “Support to Sustainable Graduation Project (SSGP)” to identify the impacts of graduation, provide necessary capacity-building supports and other necessary supports to the relevant ministries as well as to promulgate this historic achievement at home and abroad by producing various research papers and publications related to graduation.

In this context, ERD, with support from SSGP, has been organizing a series of workshops at the local level to sensitize the grassroots-level stakeholders regarding the process and opportunities of LDC graduation as well as to discuss on how the local-level stakeholders can be involved in the process of ensuring smooth and sustainable LDC graduation.

Officials from ERD and SSGP, officials from the district administration as well as representatives from the private sector and civil society organizations participated in the workshop.​

 

[Saif]

Govt seeks drone technology from China for agriculture sector

The commerce adviser made the call during a meeting with the visiting Chinese commerce minister

www.thedailystar.net

Govt seeks drone technology from China for agriculture sector

The commerce adviser made the call during a meeting with the visiting Chinese commerce minister

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin today sought drone technology from the Chinese government for use in the agricultural sector, saying such cooperation would help strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

The adviser made the request during a meeting with visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka, according to a statement from the commerce ministry.

Drone technology can be applied in fertiliser application, seed transplantation, pesticide use, and crop auditing, the adviser said.

Chinese experience and technology can play an important role in advancing Bangladesh's agriculture sector, the statement added.

Two memoranda of understanding were signed between Bangladesh and China in this regard.

The Chinese minister also said his country is ready to support Bangladesh in adopting this technology.​

 

[Saif]

Agrotechnology from China

Agriculture in Bangladesh has improved appreciably and the main driver of it is undoubtedly technology. Yet the advancement falls short of the quantum leap technology has taken in the developed countries of the world. Japan has long been a pioneer in this field. China with the largest population un

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Agrotechnology from China

Published :
Jun 03, 2025 00:09
Updated :
Jun 03, 2025 00:09

Agriculture in Bangladesh has improved appreciably and the main driver of it is undoubtedly technology. Yet the advancement falls short of the quantum leap technology has taken in the developed countries of the world. Japan has long been a pioneer in this field. China with the largest population until a couple of years ago was compelled to introduce innovative technology for raising agricultural production in order to feed its people. The use of the cutting-edge technology has ensured food security for that country. Agricultural scientists in Bangladesh must be credited for developing paddy varieties, vegetables and fruits ---both local and exotic---that can adapt to the local condition. Even in reviving the local stocks of indigenous fish on the verge of extinction, their research and experiment have been highly successful. Where the country's agriculture is lacking in is mechanisation and the use of highly advanced technology.

Against such a background, the commerce adviser's request to the visiting Chinese commerce minister for drone technology for use in agriculture makes sense. Expressing his readiness to cooperate, the Chinese commerce minister made it clear that his country was "ready to assist Bangladesh in agriculture and digital technology". He added that the collaboration would specifically focus on "smart agriculture and drone technology to boost productivity". If drones are used in warfare with devastating effect, they can as well be used for peaceful and economic purposes. Bangladesh has limited introduction of tilling, sowing machines and combined harvesters but the use of drones in application of fertilisers, sowing seeds, spraying pesticides and monitoring crops is still beyond its reach. Indiscriminate use of fertilisers, pesticides and improper irrigation often marked by use of more water than necessary have remained endemic problems. The simple technology of placing a porous plastic bottle in paddy field to measure the exact amount of water could not as yet be made popular among farmers simply because of the lack of right kind of initiative to give it enough publicity.

If manual application of chemical fertilisers and pesticides is replaced by agri-sensitive drone, it can bring about a paradigm shift in crop production. What, however, may stand

in the way of such technology's wider use is the cost. If the government provides advanced devices such as drones for collective use by farmers, the high procurement cost for an individual farmer can be avoided. Drones can be distributed among farmers by forming their cooperatives, the members of which will pay the price in instalment ultimately to own the digital device.

Although fishery is considered a sub-sector of agriculture, it has ranges and scopes beyond agriculture. One such area is marine fisheries in which the backwardness of Bangladesh is beyond question. Chinese help in developing this sector can prove crucial. Bangladesh will need expertise, technology and, above all, sea-going vessels. Of the unexplored blue economy, deep-sea fishing is a most promising one---particularly after Bangladesh won the cases against Myanmar and India to have a far greater exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with its rights to an extended maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal recognised. If Bangladesh gets proper fishing vessels, technology and expertise for deep-sea fishing, a new chapter in earning foreign currency will open. So, the technology transfer in the area of agriculture and maritime fishery can be highly beneficial for Bangladesh. So, it is most welcome.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/views/columns/biotechnology-to-boost-agro-productivity

Biotechnology to boost agro productivity

Wasi Ahmed
Published :
Jun 03, 2025 23:39
Updated :
Jun 03, 2025 23:39

With the world's population rising rapidly, the challenge of feeding billions of hungry mouths has reached a critical point. Meeting this demand will require a dramatic increase in agricultural productivity -- nearly double the current levels -- within the next decade. Achieving this feat calls for a transformative shift in agricultural practices, moving beyond conventional methods to embrace scientific innovations, most notably those related to biotechnology.

The imperative to reinvigorate agricultural research has gained prominence across the globe. Not only in countries where arable land is limited, but even in those with abundant farmland, biotechnology is being recognised as a vital tool for increasing crop yields and ensuring food security. The past few decades have seen unprecedented advancements in agricultural technology, leading to significant changes in cultivation practices and substantial increases in the yield of nearly all crop varieties.

In Bangladesh, the agricultural landscape has evolved from purely traditional practices to a mix of conventional and semi-intensive methods, largely influenced by the commendable efforts of local researchers. These efforts have yielded results -- particularly in developing high-yield seed varieties and promoting balanced fertiliser use -- but yet to make a substantial leap in productivity. The next logical frontier is the adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops, which have been successfully deployed in many countries to boost output and combat environmental stresses.

As a land-scarce country with a growing population, Bangladesh faces the pressing need to maximise productivity not only of staple grains but also of horticultural crops that diversify diets and enhance nutrition. The country has witnessed a remarkable threefold increase in grain production between 1975 and 2020. Despite this success, the sector grapples with numerous structural constraints: small and fragmented landholdings, declining soil fertility, and stressors such as drought, salinity, and periodic flooding. Moreover, the availability of cultivable land is shrinking steadily due to urbanisation and environmental degradation. Presently, Bangladesh has only 8.3 million hectares of land available for crop production.

In this challenging context, experts increasingly advocate for biotechnology as a means to overcome yield barriers and environmental stresses. Biotechnology offers powerful tools not just for agriculture but also for allied sectors like fisheries, livestock, forestry, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. It is widely seen as a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural development in the 21st century.

Over the past few decades, technological advancement and agricultural modernisation have gone hand in hand. Notably, breakthroughs in genetic engineering have allowed scientists to manipulate crops at the molecular level to improve yield, resilience, and nutritional value. These advancements have largely benefited developed countries, where food security is taken for granted. In contrast, developing and underdeveloped nations continue to grapple with hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Therefore, it is imperative to formulate inclusive policies that ensure biotechnology benefits reach the global south, helping it to enhance productivity sustainably and equitably.

Biotechnology has enabled the development of crops with enhanced qualities such as disease resistance and drought tolerance. By identifying and transferring beneficial genes from one species to another, researchers have created crop varieties that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and pest attacks. This has significantly reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, thereby lowering production costs and minimising ecological damage. For instance, genetically modified varieties of corn, cotton, and potato have been engineered to produce proteins that are toxic to specific insect pests, offering built-in protection. In some cases, these bioengineered crops offer superior and more cost-effective pest control than traditional chemical methods. Farmers benefit from increased yields and lower input costs, while consumers gain from stable food supplies and potentially lower prices.

However, despite the promising advantages, concerns have been raised about the possible long-term effects of transgenic crops on human health, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Critics argue that insufficient attention has been paid to these issues, urging a more cautious and evidence-based approach. This is a valid concern that underscores the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and rigorous scientific evaluation before the widespread adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

In Bangladesh, where biotechnology is at a nascent stage, a careful yet proactive strategy is essential. The country's scientific community must strike a balance between innovation and caution, ensuring that bio-safety protocols are strictly followed while fostering an enabling environment for research and development. Public awareness campaigns, transparent communication and stakeholder consultations are critical to building trust and acceptance of biotechnological innovations among farmers and consumers.

Ultimately, the road to agricultural sustainability and food security cannot ignore the potential of biotechnology. By integrating biotechnological solutions with ecologically sound agricultural practices, countries like Bangladesh can hope to meet the dual challenge of feeding a growing population and preserving natural resources.

The future of agriculture lies in smart innovation -- one that merges science with sustainability, technology with tradition, and productivity with ecological balance. Biotechnology, if responsibly harnessed, could very well be the catalyst that takes agro productivity to its next frontier.​