[🇧🇩] Agriculture in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Govt to introduce solar irrigation in agriculture sector: Nasrul Hamid

With sincere efforts, the government will introduce solar irrigation by reducing the number of diesel irrigation pumps in the agriculture sector. “There are about 1.2 million (12 lakh) diesel irrigation pumps in the agriculture sector across the country that will be transformed into solar ir

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt to introduce solar irrigation in agriculture sector: Nasrul Hamid
Published :​

Mar 30, 2024 17:56

Updated :​

Mar 30, 2024 17:56

With sincere efforts, the government will introduce solar irrigation by reducing the number of diesel irrigation pumps in the agriculture sector.

"There are about 1.2 million (12 lakh) diesel irrigation pumps in the agriculture sector across the country that will be transformed into solar irrigation," State Minister for Power and Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid told BSS on Saturday.

"To combat the effects of climate change, the government's target is to produce 4,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from renewable energy by 2030," he added.

The state minister said the government has a roadmap to increase power from renewable energy sources up to 12,000 MW in the future, reports BSS.

"A plan has been taken to generate 40 per cent power from clean energy by 2041 and import about 9,000 MW under regional and sub-regional cooperation from neighbouring countries," he said.

But experts said that lack of land and investment are the big challenges for expanding renewable energy and electricity generation in the country.

They mentioned that developed countries have been pressuring developing countries to reduce fossil fuel and increase renewable energy in order to deal with the risks of climate change.

Bangladesh is now enjoying 100 per cent electrification due to the visionary and prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Electricity has reached all houses, from inaccessible hills to isolated char areas, successfully, the experts said.

The state minister said in such a situation, the government has required long-term plan to reduce coal fired power plants and increase renewable energy in the country, adding, "Under the energy transition, solar power is being prioritized in agriculture instead of diesel irrigation pumps."

According to an analysis of the government plan in renewable energy sector, the production target from 51 projects in the short and medium term is 3748 MW. Out of the target, 647 MW will be in the public sector and 3101 MW from solar, wind and waste based power in the private sector solar.

The government's long-term plan emphasises importing renewable energy from neighbouring countries. The prospective generation target is 8299 MW from 74 ongoing projects.

Major portion of the power (6493 MW) will come from the private sector. However, experts mentioned that investment, modernisation of grid lines as a challenge to implement the plan.

Apart from this, construction works are going on for 100 MW Solar Power Plant at Madarganj in Jamalpur, 68 MW Solar Park in Sirajganj, 50 MW Solar Power Plant Construction Project in Sonagazi in Feni, 30 MW (AC) Solar Park at Tetulia, by Beximco Power Company Ltd and Jiangsu Zhongtian Technology Co Ltd, 32 MW (AC) Solar Park at Dharampasha, Sunamganj by Haor Bangla-Korea Green Energy Ltd, 5 MW (AC) Solar Park at Patgram, Lalmonirhat by PV Power Patgram Ltd, 5 MW (AC) Solar Park at Gowainghat, Sylhet by Sun Solar Power Plant Ltd and 200 MW (AC) Solar Park at Sundarganj, Gaibandha by Beximco Power Co Ltd.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh allocates Tk 385b for agriculture, aiming for 10pc annual growth by FY26

The government has earmarked Tk 385 billion for agricultural development over the next three years, targeting an average annual growth of 10 per cent in the sector by the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26). This investment underscores agriculture's pivotal role in achieving food security and driving equit

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh allocates Tk 385b for agriculture, aiming for 10pc annual growth by FY26
Published :
Apr 15, 2024 11:54
Updated :
Apr 15, 2024 22:16

The government has earmarked Tk 385 billion for agricultural development over the next three years, targeting an average annual growth of 10 per cent in the sector by the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26).

This investment underscores agriculture's pivotal role in achieving food security and driving equitable economic growth, according to the 'Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy Statement (2023-24 to 2025-26)'.

Despite a diminishing share in GDP, agriculture remains critical for the livelihood of the majority, particularly in rural areas. To boost food production and resilience against adversities, the government's strategy includes developing high-yield and adversity-tolerant crop varieties, expanding mechanisation and irrigation, and improving access to affordable inputs like seeds and fertilisers.

According to a UNB report, the policy document highlights several initiatives aimed at modernising agriculture through technology. These include increasing the use of surface water for irrigation over groundwater to conserve resources, incorporating renewable energy solutions, and employing remote sensing for crop monitoring.

The government also continues to support the sector with subsidies, financial incentives, and technological innovations to foster a sustainable and self-reliant agricultural framework.

Significant contributions also come from the fisheries and livestock sub-sectors, which not only bolster GDP 2.53% and 1.91%, respectively, but also provide essential protein sources and livelihoods for over 12% of the population. Achievements in these areas include self-sufficiency in fish, meat, and egg production, with milk expected to follow.

Moreover, these sectors are vital for foreign exchange earnings through exports.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is set to launch development projects to enhance production capacities, adopt advanced management technologies, and improve conservation efforts, particularly for young hilsa fish ('jatka').

Water resource management is another focal area, given its importance to sustainable agriculture. Initiatives are underway to improve surface water availability through the excavation of water bodies and the enhancement of coastal afforestation, aiming to secure equitable water shares from transboundary rivers.

Amid threats of substantial economic losses due to climate change projected at a 6.8% reduction in GDP by 2030, the government has prioritised comprehensive strategies to mitigate these impacts. The Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan is designed to equip vulnerable sectors and communities with the tools to enhance resilience and stability against climate-related disruptions.

Through these multifaceted efforts, Bangladesh is taking decisive steps to not only safeguard but also advance its agricultural heritage in the face of evolving global challenges.​

 

[Saif]

‘Agricultural sector shines while industrial, service sectors struggle’

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

'Agricultural sector shines while industrial, service sectors struggle'
16 Apr 2024, 12:00 am

Staff reporter :

The latest statistics released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reveal a significant downturn in the growth of the industrial and service sectors during the last quarter of October to December.

Conversely, the agricultural sector has witnessed a remarkable increase in its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This data sheds light on the economic dynamics of the country, indicating both challenges and opportunities.

BBS's calculation of GDP growth, considering three primary sectors regionally, indicates a noticeable decline in the growth rates of the industrial and service sectors, resulting in an overall reduction in growth.

The regional GDP growth rate for the second quarter of the current fiscal year plummeted to 3.78%, a substantial decrease compared to the previous fiscal year's second-quarter growth rate of over 7% and the 9.30% growth rate in the fiscal year 2021–22.

This setback in growth is not only evident in comparison to the last two fiscal years but also in contrast to the first quarter of the current fiscal year, where GDP growth was above 6%. However, in the second quarter, it dwindled to nearly 4%.

The industrial sector experienced a significant decline in growth, with GDP growth plummeting to 3.24% in the October–December quarter of the current fiscal year.

This is in stark contrast to the 10% growth witnessed during the same period in the previous fiscal year and the approximately 14% growth recorded in the fiscal year 2021–22, making it the lowest growth quarter in the industrial sector in the last three fiscal years.

Conversely, the agricultural sector has showcased robust growth, recording a growth rate of 4.65% in the second quarter of the current fiscal year.

This marks a notable increase compared to the growth rates of 4.22% and 2.20% in the same period of the previous two fiscal years, respectively, positioning it as the sector with the highest growth in the last three fiscal years.

Despite the agricultural sector's commendable performance, the service sector, akin to the industrial sector, has witnessed a significant decline in growth during the October–December quarter of the current fiscal year.

With a growth rate of 3.06% in this period, the service sector's growth is less than half of what it was during the same period in the previous fiscal year, which was at 6.62%.

Khandaker Golam Moazzem, the research director at the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), attributes the decline in industrial growth to crises in the glass and dollar markets, alongside a decrease in demand for high-value goods.

Additionally, high inflation has contributed to the downturn in service sector growth, as increased expenses across various service sectors have deterred consumer spending.

Despite the economic challenges, the agricultural sector has flourished, experiencing increased internal production due to reduced imports and rising domestic prices.

The government's initiatives to support agricultural production have further bolstered this growth.

Moazzem emphasises that, amidst the economic crisis, the government's effective supply of essential resources to the agricultural sector has ensured its resilience.

While the industrial and service sectors grapple with challenges, the agricultural sector's growth bodes well for the economy, offering stability and security in terms of food production.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/farmers-to-get-fair-price-for-rice-agriculture-minister

Farmers to get fair price for rice: Agriculture Minister
UNB
Published :
Apr 19, 2024 20:58
Updated :
Apr 19, 2024 20:58

The price of rice will be fixed in such a way that farmers get a fair price, Agriculture Minister Dr. Mohammed Abdus Shahid said on Friday.

Besides, the government is implementing various initiatives to de-risk Haor crops, he said.

The Minister was speaking at a Boro paddy cutting festival organised by the DC office and Agricultural Extension Department in Bahadurpur village of Sunamganj's Sadar Upazila on Friday.

Earlier, the minister distributed combine harvester machines among the farmers.

Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is providing combine harvesters and reapers to farmers with a 70 per cent subsidy so that they can bring their crops within a short time.

Addressing the farmers, the minister said that as there is a risk of crops in Haor areas getting submerged, early and short-lived varieties of paddy should be cultivated.

"The production of new varieties of rice invented by scientists in Bangladesh is very high, so cultivate them," added the minister.

Regarding the price of paddy, the minister said that the meeting will be held after two days to fix the price of paddy. It will ensure that farmers get a fair price. The price of rice will be determined in such a way that the farmers are encouraged to grow paddy, he said.

He said that strict attention should be paid to ensure that only real farmers can sell paddy at a fair price. "Upazila Chairmen should keep a close eye so that no syndicate is formed in the sale of paddy."

Former minister MA Mannan, lawmakers Mohammad Sadiq and Ranjit Chandra Sarkar, Secretary of Ministry of Water Resources Nazmul Ahsan, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture Malay Chowdhury, Chairman of BADC Abdullah Sajjad, Director General of Directorate of Agriculture Badal Chandra Biswas, Director General of Rice Research Institute Shahjahan Kabir, Director General of Atomic Agriculture Research Institute Mirza Mofazzal Islam, Deputy Commissioner Rashed Iqbal Chowdhury and others spoke.​

 

[Saif]

Agri production fall feared amid heatwave

Rice fields began developing cracks as vast landscapes lay parched from about two weeks of intense heat conditions, with farmers battling a severe power crisis in irrigating cropland...

www.newagebd.net

Agri production fall feared amid heatwave
Emran Hossain 25 April, 2024, 00:17

Rice fields began developing cracks as vast landscapes lay parched from about two weeks of intense heat conditions, with farmers battling a severe power crisis in irrigating cropland.

Farmers, hit hard by inflation for over two years now, on top of the Covid-19 pandemic aftermath, face potentially catastrophic consequences as the government has left them on their own, asking them to irrigate fields using diesel-run water pumps.

Crop fields lay badly scorched from a blazing sun that has burned most of Bangladesh with temperatures above 36C since April 11, except for days when it got as warm as 40C or even more, squeezing every bit of moisture out of the soil.

On Wednesday, Bangladesh's maximum temperature of 41.6C was recorded in Mongla, with a severe heatwave sweeping over the entire division of Khulna and the districts of Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Rajshahi, Pabna, Faridpur, and Gopalganj.

The Directorate General of Health Services confirmed three more deaths in heat strokes, taking the official death toll to four, less than a fourth of the deaths unofficially reported in the heatwave.

The combined strike of heat and drought stresses could bear significant consequences, agriculturists warned, explaining how temperatures above 35C affect the physiology of plants, potentially decimating yields.

Besides the staple grain boro, there are over a dozen crops in the field, agriculturists said, in addition to horticulture crops such as mango and litchi.

The main concern, however, arose over potential boro production losses. Boro accounts for about half of Bangladesh's annual rice grain production of about 4 crore.

The heatwave showed no sign of letting up anytime soon and rather worsened over the past two days. Load-shedding neared 1,500MW on Wednesday.

'Four hours of power supply after midnight is all farmers need to save the day,' said Abdullah Al Faisal, upazila agriculture officer, Jamalpur, reporting cracks developed in some fields in Chhobilapur.

But power cuts are so frequent in the rural areas of Jamalpur, like many other villages in Bangladesh, that farmers do not get even the minimum supply of electricity. Faisal informed the local power office about the situation, but it yielded no result.

'Farmers have been advised to arrange for irrigation using diesel,' he said.

High temperatures and droughts impact rice plants at every stage of their growth, agronomists said.

The higher the temperature, the more the rice plant uses its energy to cool off rather than forming grain, explained Abdul Kader, who teaches agronomy at Bangladesh Agricultural University.

High temperatures and drought also dry up the sticky substance on which pollen are stuck in the process of pollination, he said.

'Rice production gets hampered when the temperature exceeds 35C,' said Kader, sharing his fear that 40C might seriously affect production.

'Only artificial irrigation can save farmers,' he said.

Over 80 per cent of boro cultivated on 48.56 lakh hectares is still in the field, mostly at the flowering stage, implying that their pollination could seriously be impacted by the extreme heat conditions, according to officials at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute.

The present time is very crucial for rice growth in Bangladesh, the BRRI officials said, explaining that the temperature staying above 36C even for a very brief period could seriously hamper flowering, particularly between the hours of 9:30am and 11:30am.

'Less flowering means less grain and more sterility,' said Niaz Md Farhat Rahman, principal scientific officer, BRRI.

The BRRI advised farmers to maintain a water depth of five to seven cm in rice fields and harvest rice once it is 80 per cent mature.

The heat might not have any impacts on mature rice plants, BRRI officials said.

The physiologies of other plants are impacted almost in the same way as rice plants by heat and drought stresses.

Extreme temperatures also affect photosynthesis in plants by causing leaves to burn, cringe, or disfigure in any other way.

The neck blast disease could also be triggered by high temperatures.

Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute senior scientific officer Muhammad Nazim Uddin feared that a fourth of all vegetable production in the season could fall because of the heatwave.

Excessive temperature at the time of flowering could result in plants having excessive male flowers, he said, adding that at least 15 summer vegetables were in the field.

'Too much dryness could also make it difficult for trees to hold onto their flowers,' said Nazim.

New Age Staff Correspondent in Rajshahi reported a great loss of flowers and buds in mango and litchi trees.

Ahsan Habib, a mango farmer in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj, said that his mango orchard lost 30 per cent of its buds because of heat and drought.

Another farmer in Iswardi of Pabna, Selim Reza, told New Age that his litchi orchards on 15 bighas of the land saw fifty per cent less flowering.

The heatwave and drought are also drying up jute and maize fields in the Chars in Rajshahi.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department, in its daily weather bulletin issued at 6:00pm predicted the weather to remain hot and dry the rest of the month, except for some rainfall in Sylhet and Chattogram.

The BMD said that a mild to moderate heatwave was sweeping over Barishal division and the rest of Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Dhaka divisions, as well as the districts of Mymensingh, Moulviabazar, Rangamati, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, and Bandarban.

Dhaka saw the temperature rise to 39.2C on Wednesday.

At 1:00am on Wednesday, load-shedding reached 1,468MW with 14,163MW generated against the demand of 15,700MW.

Bangladesh has an installed capacity of over 27,000MW. Half of the capacity stays idle because of fuel shortages.

Almost all educational institutions have suspended in-person classes and switched to online classes because of the heatwave.

Dhaka recorded the second-hottest day on April 20 in 64 years.​

 

[Saif]

‘5-yield a year rice variety shows food safety hope’

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

'5-yield a year rice variety shows food safety hope'
25 Apr 2024, 12:14 pm

Staff Reporter :

Dr. Abed Chowdhury, an expatriate Bangladeshi scientist from Australia, has garnered praise for his groundbreaking invention of 'Panchabrihi' rice, hailed as a significant achievement for Bangladesh's agricultural sector.

Dhaka University Pro-VC Prof. Dr. Sitesh Chandra Bachar, commended the innovation, emphasising its potential to address the country's food security challenges. Speaking at a seminar titled "Panchabrihi Multi-harvest Rice: A Pathway to Food Security and Climate Migration," organised by DU's Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS) in collaboration with the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF), Prof. Bachar underscored the importance of the 'five-yield-a-year' rice variety in meeting the growing food demand of the nation.

Prof. Bachar highlighted the pressing concerns of population growth coupled with shrinking arable land, exacerbated by the effects of climate change and the limitations of traditional single-yield rice production. He warned of potential food crises in the future if proactive measures are not taken.

He further emphasised the significance of research and innovation, emphasising their pivotal role in addressing the looming food security challenges.

Prof. Bachar expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts between Dhaka University, the government, and relevant institutions, including DU's CARS, in advancing research initiatives aimed at ensuring food security and sustainability.

Prof. Bachar expressed optimism and said, "The people of Bangladesh would reap significant benefits from this revolutionary invention. The 'Panchabrihi' rice variant, capable of producing yields five times a year from the same plant, represents a remarkable advancement in agricultural technology."

"Unlike traditional practices where farmers must uproot and replant new seeds during the Aus season and subsequently repeat the process during the Amon season, the 'Panchabrihi' offers a transformative solution. Farmers can now achieve five harvests in a single year, starting with a Boro season followed by two Aus and two Amon seasons, all without the need for extensive replanting," added the professor.

The seminar, chaired by CARS director Professor Dr. Istaik M. Sayed, provided a platform to showcase the potential of the 'Panchabrihi' rice. Dr. Abed Chowdhury, the mastermind behind the invention, delivered the keynote address, elucidating the groundbreaking features and implications of the rice variant.

Special guests, including Member of Parliament (MP) Safiul Alam Chowdhury and former education secretary Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, graced the event with their presence. Their attendance underscored the significance of this innovative solution in addressing the challenges facing Bangladesh's agricultural sector and ensuring food security for its populace.

 

[Saif]

StanChart, Channel i honour 11 agriculture heroes at 9th Agrow Award

Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Channel i jointly awarded 11 individuals and institutions at the 9th Agrow Award for their contributions towards achieving climate adaptation goals, building sustainable networks, supplementing value chains, research initiatives, and driving tangible change...

www.thedailystar.net

StanChart, Channel i honour 11 agriculture heroes at 9th Agrow Award

Md Abdur Rahman, minister for fisheries and livestock, poses for photographs with award winners at the 9th Aglow Award jointly organised by Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Channel I at InterContinental Dhaka on Friday. Photo: Standard Chartered Bangladesh

Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Channel i jointly awarded 11 individuals and institutions at the 9th Agrow Award for their contributions towards achieving climate adaptation goals, building sustainable networks, supplementing value chains, research initiatives, and driving tangible change across homesteads and commercial agricultural operations.

Md Abdur Rahman, minister for fisheries and livestock, attended the ceremony as chief guest and handed out crests and prize money to winners at the InterContinental Dhaka on Friday, according to a press release.

Although the organisers were supposed to confer awards in 12 categories, they did not get qualified nominees in one category.

Md Abul Kalam Azad was awarded "Farmer of The Year (male)", while Tania Parvin won in the female category.

Sanwar Hossain got the "Heroes for Change" award while Md Siddik Hosen and Sabitri Biswas were awarded the "Most Resilient Farmer of the Year" award in the male and female category respectively.

Besides, Mrinmoy Guha Neogi won the "Climate Adaptation Solution of the Year", Shahanuare Shaid Shahin of Daily Kaler Kantho bagged the "Best Journalist" prize, and Mohammad Al-Mamun was chosen as "Jury Special".

MA Sattar Mandal, professor emeritus of the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), won the lifetime achievement award.

PRAN Dairy bagged the award for the "Best Agricultural Exporter" while iFarmer was awarded as the "Best Agricultural Organisation in Support and Execution".

The most Agrow Award honorees bring the total number of recipients to 77.

At the event, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said: "This year's Agrow Award winners do exactly what is needed to meet the need of the hour -- their efforts reflect resilience and the urgency in use of technology and innovation."

Faridur Reza Sagar, managing director of Channel i, said: "Agriculture and farmers are playing an important role in the progress of Bangladesh. From agricultural production to agricultural trade, a light of immense potential is constantly spreading. We want to spread that light throughout the country."

Shykh Seraj, director and head of news at Channel i, said: "Those who received the Agrow Award have made a great contribution in their respective fields. Channel i is delighted to honour these dedicated people in collaboration with Standard Chartered Bangladesh."​

 

[Saif]

Agricultural machinery imports from China to increase: Minister

Agricultural Minister Dr Md Abdus Shahid on Monday said that the government would ramp up the imports of agricultural machinery from China. ‘We have been importing a lot of [agricultural] machinery from China and we plan to increase that volume,” he said after meeting with Chinese Amba

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Agricultural machinery imports from China to increase: Minister
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Apr 29, 2024 18:06
Updated :
Apr 29, 2024 19:01

Agricultural Minister Dr Md Abdus Shahid on Monday said that the government would ramp up the imports of agricultural machinery from China.

'We have been importing a lot of [agricultural] machinery from China and we plan to increase that volume," he said after meeting with Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Yen Wao at the former's office.

When asked about the specific type of agricultural machinery imports to be increased, Dr Shahid noted that agricultural machinery such as harvesters and tillers, which are necessary for enhancing agricultural productivity, would be included in the increased imports.

The agricultural minister added that these increased imports would be secured at a discounted price.​

 

[Saif]

China keen to import mangoes from Bangladesh

China expressed its keenness to import mango from Bangladesh this year, said Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen. The Chinese Ambassador came up with the information while talking to the Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdus Shahid at the Secretariat on Monday, reports UNB. An expert delega

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

China keen to import mangoes from Bangladesh
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Apr 29, 2024 21:20
Updated :
Apr 29, 2024 21:20

China expressed its keenness to import mango from Bangladesh this year, said Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen.

The Chinese Ambassador came up with the information while talking to the Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdus Shahid at the Secretariat on Monday, reports UNB.

An expert delegation from China will likely visit the country, specifically the mango orchards and production facilities, in the first week of June.

Bangladesh will approve the export of mangoes based on the report of the Chinese delegation.

Additional secretary to the Agriculture Ministry Moloy Chowdhury, joint secretary Md Mahmudur Rahman were present there.

Expecting Chinese investment in the agriculture sector, the minister said Bangladesh needs modern and technical assistance to modernise and mechanise agriculture sector, especially, the country's farmers need China's cooperation so that the farmers can get modern agricultural machinery at low price, as we can purchase machines from China at a relatively low price."

Earlier, the Agriculture Minister met Ambassador of the Netherlands in Bangladesh Irma van Dueren.

The meeting stressed the need for strengthening mutual cooperation in the agriculture sector and working together on strengthening agricultural research and technology exchange.

The meeting also discussed the construction and launch of onion storage in Mymensingh's Bhaluka at the initiative of the Netherlands government.

Onions can be stored throughout the year in this storage, which will be inaugurated officially on May 2.

Noting that onion is an important crop of Bangladesh, the minister said, "To become self-sufficient in onion, we are emphasising increasing onion production and preservation."

The initiative of the Netherlands government will play a very helpful role in this regard.​

 

[Saif]

Harvesting progress: Agri loans for women

Bangladesh, a land nourished by fertile deltas, thrives on its agricultural sector. But beneath the swaying crops lies a reality often unseen which is the immense contribution of women farmers.

www.thedailystar.net

Harvesting progress: Agri loans for women

Bangladesh, a land nourished by fertile deltas, thrives on its agricultural sector. But beneath the swaying crops lies a reality often unseen which is the immense contribution of women farmers. Women farmers in Bangladesh are the backbone of the country's agriculture sector, contributing significantly to the nation's food security and economy. Despite making up about half of the farm labor force, their efforts often go unpaid and unrecognized. Women are involved in every aspect of agriculture, from tilling the fields to post-harvest activities, and even fetching water for family use.

The government has taken various initiatives to ensure women's participation in every sector to empower them economically. The annual report (2022-23) of the Department of Agricultural Extension states that the department has undertaken several projects aiming at women's development and poverty alleviation to ensure at least 30% of women of the country's farmer families are involved in agricultural activities. Moreover, 30% participation of women has been ensured in all types of training and exhibition activities.

However, women farmers in Bangladesh face numerous challenges, including patriarchal norms and practices that hinder their empowerment. A study in northwestern Bangladesh found that women farmers worked longer hours than men, but received lower wages.

Despite their backbreaking labor in planting, weeding, and harvesting, women rarely own land or have control over the sale of produce. Societal norms often relegate them to the role of helpers, with the decision-making power resting with male family members. This lack of ownership directly impacts their ability to secure loans, as land is often considered the primary collateral. Even when women manage to overcome these barriers, the process of acquiring an Agri loan can be daunting.

The financial institutes also face difficulties in reaching out to women farmers in rural areas. "They are concentrated mostly on small home-bound poultry or dairy farms because that's easy for them to look after besides their homemaking. Other types of cultivation are male dominated and there are also too many dependences. Interestingly, we witnessed that women farmers are shy to availing of banking services assuming this could be a hassle to some and, besides, they also don't have much time to spare out of their busy schedule. However, BRAC Bank provides collateral-free agriculture loans to smallholder farmers irrespective of gender. Therefore, land ownership and documentation do not make crucial sense to us in assessing credit. Nonetheless, we prefer to have a personal guarantee over BDT 50,000 loans," shares Syed Abdul Momen, Deputy Managing Director & Head of SME Banking, at BRAC Bank.

Furthermore, Md. Katebur Rahman, Senior Vice President and Head of the Agriculture Banking Unit, Dhaka Bank states, "The main challenges for the women farmers are education and ownership of land. As the rural women are getting basic education, financial institutions like Dhaka Bank are developing policies to provide agricultural loans to rural women."

Another reason behind women farmers' lack of awareness regarding banking loans is financial illiteracy. Mr. Katebur comments, "The access to training and development of women in agriculture is very much insignificant. The participation rate of women in training programs is much lower than men in Bangladesh. It may be due to social, religious, and traditional bindings for women which restrict the women from going to a crowd where many other males are also present. However, most of the time, we try to arrange a day-long workshop for the women working in agricultural businesses at their convenient places so that they can participate easily and can apply the knowledge in their businesses."

Nonetheless, various banks and financial institutions are working towards ensuring financial security for women. Mr. Momen from BRAC Bank shares, "BRAC Bank's 'TARA' is a dedicated banking service designed for women segment beneficiaries including the agriculture segments. To encourage the women farmers, we are offering special schemes with 10 Tk farmers' accounts which have no account maintenance fee with certain conditions, access to agent banking outlets, collateral-free loans with easy terms, alongside lower interest rates and minimum documentation charges than that of general loans. The digital loan processing system has also been initiated to cater to this segment to minimize the turnaround time."

Md Nasiruzzaman, Chairman of Bangladesh Krishi Bank shares, "At Krishi Bank, we have passed the policy this year to implement the Kalikapur model of harvesting in wasteland which was invented by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute. Only the women farmers will get a 10,000 Tk loan for this harvesting model in their own courtyard without any collateral fee. Through this 'Amar Angina, Amar Krishi' program, we hope to ensure food security for the poor as well."

While numerous schemes target women entrepreneurs, there's a noticeable gap in agri-based schemes tailored for them, even at the government level. "Most women-centric schemes fall under small initiatives. Moreover, we scarcely see any female farmer coming forward, rather there is more women participation in the poultry and fishery sector," shares Kamrul Mehedi, Head of SME, City Bank.

He further adds, "Without the presence of a strong distribution network, whether it is physical or digital, it becomes extremely difficult to reach the customers."

Elaborating on the strength of the distribution network, Ahsan Jamil, Vice President and Head of SME and Agri Loan, Midland Bank states, "We distribute loans through various NGOs due to their robust agent network. NGOs establish committees for micro-credit distribution and excel in recovery, an area challenging for banks. While private banks extend their reach to upazila and thana levels, grassroots areas remain under-served. NGOs bridge this gap with their extensive agent networks, vital until banks establish a public-level presence. Although we're progressing with agent banking, it's still evolving and requires more time to mature."

By addressing these challenges, Bangladesh can unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector. Empowering women farmers through accessible Agri loans will not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute to national food security and economic growth.​

 

[Saif]

What Bangladeshi banks offer to farmers

In recent years, agricultural and rural finance programs have been boosted as the private commercial banks (PCBs) along with state-owned commercial banks (SCBs), have come forward to disburse agri-loans in the country.

www.thedailystar.net

What Bangladeshi banks offer to farmers

In recent years, agricultural and rural finance programs have been boosted as the private commercial banks (PCBs) along with state-owned commercial banks (SCBs), have come forward to disburse agri-loans in the country.

In line with the broad-based objectives of the government, Bangladesh Bank (BB) formulates the 'Agricultural And Rural Credit Policy and Programme' to ensure an adequate flow of funds to the agricultural and rural economies in a proper, timely, easier, and hassle-free manner, reaching farmers at the grassroots level. This policy plays a helpful role in increasing the scope of agri-loans, promoting financial inclusion, fostering the use of technology, and expanding banking activities in rural areas.

This article will explore the new and existing products Bangladeshi banks offer as agri loans to farmers of different levels.

Smart Agri Loan by AB Bank

Iftekhar Enam Awal, Head of Business, Corporate, and SME at AB Bank, elaborated on the bank's initiative to provide agricultural loans to marginal farmers through the AB Smart Card. This innovative loan product, operational in 43 Upazilas across 11 districts, benefited 27,008 marginal farmers in 2023, particularly those who are landless or sharecroppers. Additionally, the bank's 19 programs, totaling loans worth 154.01 crore, directly contributed to agricultural production, yielding 24,000 metric tons of grains across 12,500 acres of land.

The farmers are required to submit the Agricultural Input Assistance Card issued by the Department of Agriculture Extension along with their own NID Card to obtain an agricultural loan from AB Bank. Additionally, a personal guarantee from their spouse and a guarantee from a third party are required. Once the loan is approved, disbursement is made to the customer's account, from which they can withdraw funds as needed through the AB Smart card. After full repayment of the loan, farmers can apply for further loans for different agricultural activities, and the loan amount may be increased if necessary.

Demand and Term Loans by Bank Asia

"The existing demand and term agri loan products cover all needs of farmers in terms of their convenience, purposefulness, and ease of repayment. The existing products are also being offered at a low price with a moratorium depending on the requirement of the farmer. Farmers can get season-based loans easily either in one-time mode or in installments," said Md. Shaminoor Rahman, Senior Executive Vice President & Head of SMR, Bank Asia.

The Demand and Term Loan products include:

Dairy Support: for milk production and beef fattening

Fishery Support: for all types of fish cultivation and hatchery

Poultry Support: for poultry projects involved in egg and meat production

Loan against Tk10 A/C: for small/marginal/landless farmers, micro/marginal/small business people involved in any income-generating activity, people affected by natural calamities involved in any income-generating activities, disabled & women entrepreneurs

MFI Finance: for financing ultimate beneficiaries through MFIs

Additionally, the Demand Loan product, Cropping Support, is for cultivating all types of crops, vegetables, medicinal plants, fruits, and flowers. (Note that for the cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, spices, and maize, the loan is provided only at 4.00% per annum). The Term Loan, Agricultural Equipment Support, is for purchasing agri-machinery and irrigation equipment.

PHOTO: STAR

Capital and Term Loans by BRAC Bank

"We have developed our digital process to reduce the processing time of loans to marginal farmers. Hence, they can avail of loans up to BDT 50,000 using smartphones in the quickest possible time," said Syed Abdul Momen, Deputy Managing Director & Head of SME Banking, BRAC Bank.

BRAC Bank has working capital loans and term loans for the farmers' specific needs. They can also avail of term loans for fixed assets and agri-machinery procurement. All agri loan products can be availed at a lower rate than regular ones, with easy terms and conditions and charges, no supervision and processing costs.

Krishi Loan by City Bank

"City Bank currently offers only the 'Krishi Loan' to farmers, with quick disbursement within 3-5 days. In 2022-23, the bank surpassed Bangladesh Bank's target of BDT 574 crore, disbursing BDT 966 crore, which is 168% of the goal. 70% of the disbursement was through NGOs, and 30% via its own channels, positioning it as one of the top banks in providing agri loans," said Kamrul Mehedi, Head of SME at City Bank.

This year, City Bank aims to launch the 'Digital Agri Loan' to efficiently reach more farmers, leveraging technology to bridge the digital gap. The loan will utilize a scoring engine based on factors such as behavior, social data, transaction patterns, and crop cycles to accurately determine loan amounts and purposes. City Bank is providing loans to farmers through agent banking in a hybrid model and this transactional data will be pulled out to prepare the scoring engine for digital lending to the farmers.

Sufola (Ezy Bank Account) by Dhaka Bank

The Sufola Ezy Bank account is a relatively new loan product offered by Dhaka Bank. "Farmers can easily open a Sufola bank account using a smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need to visit a branch. With this account, they can access agricultural credit and receive a complimentary debit card. The debit card allows them to transfer funds from their loan account to the Sufola account for purchasing daily necessities or agricultural inputs. Additionally, they can transfer funds from the Sufola account to mobile banking apps. In addition to the Sufola account, Dhaka Bank offers nano loans ranging from Tk.5,000.00 to Tk.50,000.00, ideal for farmers facing short-term financial crises. To avail of this service, only a mobile number, NID, and reference are required. If any farmer applies properly, within 3 hours disbursement could be completed." said Md. Katebur Rahman, Senior Vice President, and Head of the Agriculture Banking Unit at Dhaka Bank.

In recent years, agricultural and rural finance programs have been boosted as the private commercial banks (PCBs) along with state-owned commercial banks (SCBs), have come forward to disburse agri-loans in the country.

Dhaka Bank also offers various existing agricultural credit products, including Overdraft Agriculture (OD Agri), Short Term Loan Agriculture (STLA), Term Loan Agriculture (TLA), Bai Muazzal Agriculture, Murabaha Purchase Order Agriculture, and Murabaha Term Finance Agriculture. Utilizing these products, Dhaka Bank provides agriculture loans/investments for individuals against secured assets (mortgaged property). Conversely, the new products offer insured loans to farmers. Considering the needs of small farmers, Dhaka Bank provides a group credit facility where no security is required, enabling small/marginal farmers to access credit facilities within a very short time.

EBL Krishi Rin by Eastern Bank

EBL has provided financing of up to 1.5 lac to farmers for cultivating crops such as paddy, wheat, and vegetables through its existing agri-product called 'EBL Krishi Rin.' The bank offers this loan for a period of 6 to 12 months under the Agri general loan or food safety scheme of Bangladesh Bank.

"We have already achieved the target under the food safety scheme of Bangladesh Bank, as well as agri general loans, and disbursed BDT 550 crore worth of loans with NGO linkage in FY24," shared M. Khorshed Anowar, Head of Retail & SME Banking.

Krishi DL by Mutual Trust Bank (MTB)

MTB Bank's 'Krishi DL' is a new product tailored to synchronize cash flow with specific timeframes, launched in 2022. It aims to streamline customer transactions while disbursing loans to farmers 15 to 30 days before their seasonal needs arise. The loan offers tenor options of 1, 3, 4, 6, and 12 months, determined by the farmer's loan amount and the intended crop.

This approach aligns loan disbursement with the farmer's seasonal demands, facilitating timely repayment once harvesting generates sufficient cash flow. For instance, MTB extends a 6-month repayment period for long-term endeavors such as raising cattle, whereas activities like milking necessitates installment payments.

"Additionally, MTB offers an existing agricultural loan product called 'MTB Krishi', structured as an installment plan. The key distinction between the two lies in the flexibility afforded to customers: whether they prefer monthly/quarterly repayments or settling the entire loan once adequate cash flow is available, depending on their practical circumstances," said Kazi Mohammad Selim, Head of Cluster 4 for SME and Agri Banking Division at MTB.

MDB Krishi Loan by Midland Bank

Midland Bank currently offers the primary loan product, 'MDB Krishi Loan,' which is versatile and tailored to various agricultural needs, including direct disbursement to farmers or through NGO partnerships. Loan allocation is based on crop types and duration, aligning with the unique timeframes of each crop. Additionally, in collaboration with NGOs, Midland Bank strives to reach areas lacking branch presence, ensuring widespread farmer access. NGOs report disbursement details to Midland, which are subsequently forwarded to Bangladesh Bank for regulatory scrutiny.

"In progress and currently undergoing vetting and evaluation for imminent introduction is the 'Buy Back Agreement' product aimed at financing large-scale agricultural machinery purchases," said Md. Ahsan Jamil Hossain, Vice President and Head of Agri Loan, Midland Bank.

Another ongoing initiative is contract farming, where agro-based industries such as Pran, Square, and others request loans for farmers, with the harvested crop serving as loan collateral while documentation ensures industry accountability.

Abad, Krishok, Nabanno, and Khamar by Prime Bank

"Prime Bank tailors its agriculture and rural credit program, focusing on crops, livestock, and fisheries. It offers collateral-free products, implements digital loan origination systems, and collaborates with agent outlets to serve farmers in remote regions. Defining Agriculture as crop & non-crop by nature, Prime Bank has introduced two products styled Abad and Krishok for crop loans. In contrast, Khamar and Nabanno are running successfully as non-crop loans," mentioned Nazeem A. Choudhury, Deputy Managing Director – Consumer Banking at Prime Bank.

Private commercial banks in Bangladesh are taking proactive measures to improve the country's socio-economic condition and bolster the agricultural and rural sectors by offering a range of agri-loans to farmers. It is encouraging to witness these banks continuously introducing new products each year, aiming to maximize support for farmers, even though it may take time to realize their full potential.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh\'s first onion processing, storage centre set up

Giant Agro Processing Company Limited has set up the first onion processing and storage centre in the country with an aim to contribute to a consistent supply of the commodity for consumers while reducing post-harvest losses...

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh's first onion processing, storage centre set up
Staff Correspondent 30 April, 2024, 22:47

Representational image.

Giant Agro Processing Company Limited has set up the first onion processing and storage centre in the country with an aim to contribute to a consistent supply of the commodity for consumers while reducing post-harvest losses.

Agriculture minister Abdus Shahid is expected to inaugurate the specialised onion processing and storage centre located at Bhaluka in Mymensingh on May 2.

The onion processing and storage centre has been set up as a part of Onion Impact Cluster project, where Bangladeshi and Dutch private sector companies are participating with support of the Dutch government, Giant Group chairman Feroz M Hassan told New Age on Tuesday.

He stated that the project aimed to bolster Bangladesh's onion industry by implementing pioneering Dutch techniques and knowledge to enhance onion production and storage.

This endeavour seeks to foster local private sector growth, elevate farmers' and entrepreneurs' incomes within the onion sector and reduce dependency on onion imports, Feroz outlined.

Giant Agro Processing Company has set up the onion processing and storage centre with 400 tonnes' capacity on a pilot basis.

'If the technology proves effective, private sector businesses will invest in the sector,' Feroz hoped.

He said that the country had been grappling with onion supply issues for the past few years, with post-harvest losses of the crop reaching nearly 30 per cent.

'If the technology can reduce the post-harvest losses to 10 per cent, the country would be self-sufficient in onion production,' the businessman mentioned.

He also said that despite having potential, private sectors were not making investment in processing and storage of agricultural products in the country due to a lack of supportive environment.

'We do not have the required technology and banks are not interested in financing such long-term business. I will request the government to provide support and ensure low-cost term loan for setting up storage centres,' Feroz said.

If the storage facility is developed in the country, the consistent supply would be ensured and consumers would get onion at lower prices compared to when onion is imported, he mentioned.

'Giant Agro has got involved in this project for two reasons. Firstly, it is a natural expansion of its existing business. Secondly, it is a good initiative for the country, as both the farmers and consumers could benefit from a sustainable supply chain,' Feroz explained.

Supply disruption and price disorder heavily took place on the country's onion market since 2019 and the price of the commodity topped Tk 300 a kilogram in that year.

After that, Bangladesh's onion market experienced frequent supply shortage and surge in price.

Although the harvest of onion just ended in mid-April in the country, the item retailed at Tk 70-80 a kilogram whereas the price was Tk 40-50 a kilogram same time last year.​