[🇧🇩] Agriculture in Bangladesh

[Saif]

'Bangladesh holds strategic significance in Bayer's growth map'

The Better Life Farming (BLF) initiative is a key global effort aimed at achieving this goal. Bangladesh is a key target country for Bayer’s BLF initiative, which is rapidly expanding its reach within the country, said Simon-Thorsten Wiebusch, Cluster Head, Bayer CropScience, India, Banglades

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

'Bangladesh holds strategic significance in Bayer's growth map'

FE Online
Published :
Jun 18, 2025 18:13
Updated :
Jun 18, 2025 18:13

Simon-Thorsten Wiebusch, Cluster Head of Bayer CropScience for India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka (right), is discussing with Md. Fazlur Rahman, Chairman of BCIC and Bayer CropScience Ltd, Bangladesh (middle), and Zahidul Islam, Managing Director of Bayer CropScience Ltd (left)

The Better Life Farming (BLF) initiative is a key global effort aimed at achieving this goal. Bangladesh is a key target country for Bayer’s BLF initiative, which is rapidly expanding its reach within the country, said Simon-Thorsten Wiebusch, Cluster Head, Bayer CropScience, India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka (IBSL), during an interview with The Financial Express. Text of the interview follows:

Question (Q): Mr Wiebusch, how does Bayer view Bangladesh in terms of its agricultural market potential within the South Asia region?

Answer (A): Agriculture in Bangladesh has tremendous potential. Its large population and rising demand for food has created a significant opportunity for innovative solutions. The country’s strong agricultural backbone aligns with Bayer’s mission to transform farming through technology, productivity, and sustainability.

Q: What potential do you see in the Bangladeshi agricultural sector for Bayer's future growth?

A: Bangladesh has a young, dynamic farming community that’s increasingly open to adopting new technologies. The government is investing in modernizing agriculture, which creates opportunities for Bayer to introduce high-yield seeds, crop protection products, and digital farming tools. There’s also significant potential in areas like climate-resilient agriculture and precision farming.

Q: What is Bayer’s mid-to-long-term plan for Bangladesh?

A: Our plan is focused on expanding our footprint in Bangladesh by deepening farmer outreach, introducing new innovations, and building stronger local partnerships. We aim to bring more hybrid seeds, invest in training programs,advance agronomic practices by combining seeds, best crop protection solutions and ensuring soil health to ensure regenerative agriculture in Bangladesh.. Additionally, we're exploring collaborations with startups and Agri-tech platforms to accelerate digital transformation— all with the broader goal of meeting the growing need for nutritional security for 220 Million Bangladeshi's, while also enabling potential export opportunities in the future.

Q: Operating in a new market often comes with unique challenges. What has Bayer’s experience been in Bangladesh?

A: Every market has its own nuances and challenges. In Bangladesh, the opportunities far outweigh the challenges and with strong cooperation from the government and local stakeholders we are confident of overcoming the challenges. Our focus is on building long-term relationships rooted in trust, transparency, and shared value.

Q: Can you highlight some of Bayer’s ongoing initiatives that are making a difference in Bangladesh?

A: Certainly. We’ve launched farmer education programs focused on safe and effective use of crop protection solutions. Bayer has also initiated collaborations to support women in agriculture and promote sustainable practices. Our product portfolio is being continuously expanded to ensure farmers have access to the best inputs available. One such very successful initiative are the Better Life Farming centres set up by Bayer in Bangladesh.Bayer has set an SDG goal to empower 100 million smallholder farmers worldwide by 2030. The Better Life Farming (BLF) initiative is a key global effort aimed at achieving this goal. Bangladesh is a key target country for Bayer’s BLF initiative, which is rapidly expanding its reach within the country.

The BLF initiative seeks to enhance the income and living standards of smallholder farmers by providing holistic solutions both on and off the crop field, primarily through increased yields and the smart utilization of resources. With approximately 1,000 BLF centers nationwide, Bayer is connecting with smallholder farmers to offer innovative crop protection solutions and high-yield hybrid seeds. We also share knowledge of modern agricultural technology through extensive training sessions, result demonstrations, and method showcases led by dedicated agronomists.

As part of Bayer’s stewardship commitment, BLF promotes the safe use of pesticides among farmers. Additionally, we are exploring collaborations with technology, nutrient, and other industries to address needs beyond quality seeds and crop protection solutions.

Q: What kind of support or policy framework would you like to see from the Bangladesh government to encourage further investment?

A: A stable and predictable regulatory environment is key. We also welcome policies that encourage innovation, protect intellectual property, and support digital infrastructure in rural areas. Public-private partnerships, faster registration of new products and technologies and increased investment in agri-research will further boost the confidence of large and established companies like Bayer.​

 

[Saif]

Govt needs to take measures to stop farmland loss

A GRADUAL loss of agricultural land poses a threat to food security. A Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics survey report says that farmland has been eroded by 3.75 per cent over eight years. The survey, covering 2015–2023 and highlighting some critical environmental and climate issues, says that a...

www.newagebd.net

Govt needs to take measures to stop farmland loss
24 June, 2025, 00:00

A GRADUAL loss of agricultural land poses a threat to food security. A Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics survey report says that farmland has been eroded by 3.75 per cent over eight years. The survey, covering 2015–2023 and highlighting some critical environmental and climate issues, says that a lack of commitment to saving farmland and rapid, unplanned urbanisation are mainly responsible for the loss. The survey also says that natural forest cover has decreased by 5.41 per cent in the period although there has been a 27.36 per cent increase in planted forests. The loss of farmland and natural forests has a direct impact on food production and food security. The gradual loss will only exacerbate the already fragile food security. Bangladesh slipped by three notches in the Global Hunger Index 2024 and ranked 84th among 127 nations. The alarming state of farmland loss came to light in a number of studies too, but the authorities appear to have taken little effective measures to save agricultural land.

The Agricultural Census 2019, for instance, shows that net cultivable land had decreased by 2 per cent over a decade. The decline has for long been a matter of concern as the economy still heavily relies on agricultural production and unplanned industrialisation along with the unauthorised conversion of farmland for commercial use continues unchecked. Experts point out that ambiguities in land use legislation, coupled with weak enforcement, are a major contributing factor to the steady loss of farmland. Enacting an effective law is, therefore, an essential first step towards a better land governance. Legislation alone, however, cannot effectively halt the destruction of arable land. Reports have documented cases where influential individuals or groups have repurposed farmland for commercial ventures in violation of laws and regulations while the authorities have largely remained indifferent. The widespread loss of topsoil because of illegal brick kilns is another known issue. A previous study estimates that around 25 billion bricks are produced annually using conventional methods that destroy about 100 million tonnes of topsoil. The government has not only failed to curb the commercial misuse of agricultural land but has in many instances undertaken development projects that have caused the destruction of farmland.

The government should, therefore, take the issue of farmland loss and associated risks of food insecurity seriously and take early steps to amend laws and rework policies. The government needs to take action against industrial establishments and brick kilns illegally built on agricultural land and review the land use policy to stop its development projects that destroy farmland.​

 

[Saif]

How to ensure a transparent rice supply chain

Food on the plate is the very first thing people need every day, and with rice being the staple, its price is a matter of overriding concern for the general public. When rice prices soar, the poor and low-income people become more food insecure. A steady rise in rice prices has already forced this

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

How to ensure a transparent rice supply chain

Atiqul Kabir Tuhin
Published :
Jun 25, 2025 23:49
Updated :
Jun 25, 2025 23:49

Food on the plate is the very first thing people need every day, and with rice being the staple, its price is a matter of overriding concern for the general public. When rice prices soar, the poor and low-income people become more food insecure. A steady rise in rice prices has already forced this low-income people to spend a disproportionate share of their earnings on rice alone, cutting back on fish, meat, and other vital sources of protein. As such, rice price is a major public concern and a particularly sensitive issue.

Yet the rice market remains highly vulnerable to manipulation, dominated by large millers and traders. This syndicate exploits the system for windfall profits by hoarding and creating artificial shortages. On one hand, they short-change farmers, leaving them barely able to recover production costs; on the other, they charge consumers exorbitantly high prices.

Large millers exert control over virtually every stage of the supply chain, from the initial procurement of paddy and its subsequent processing, storage to the final stages of distribution to wholesalers and retailers. This monopoly has created a fertile ground for market distortions.

For example, in this Boro season, large millers have purchased paddy from farmers at low prices before Eid, stored it in warehouses, and are now raising prices under various pretexts. Over the past week, rice prices have soared by Tk 2 to 8 per kilogram, despite the bumper harvest and adequate stock. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, a record 21.4 million tonnes of Boro paddy have been harvested from 0.48 million hectares of land. So the question is, why is this sudden price hike in spite of the good harvest and adequate stock?

To curb persistent inflation, the government has been pursuing a contractionary monetary policy since assuming office about 10 months back. Besides, over 200 traders were given permission to import rice and the import duties were substantially waived. And yet, despite these significant initiatives, there has been little to no reflection of their intended impact on the rice market. Even though the overall inflation trend shows a modest downward trajectory and prices for most other consumer items have begun to cool, rice remains an exception. A brief, modest decline was indeed observed in the past month, largely due to the peak Boro harvesting season. However, as soon as the newly harvested rice left the hands of farmers and entered the supply chain, millers began increasing prices. This has been a recurring issue for years, and it is time to establish much-needed transparency and accountability in this murky supply chain.

In order to do so, the policymakers can consider establishing a comprehensive and integrated rice supply network which would create a system of transparency and accountability. It could begin with a mandatory, dedicated rice supply chain registration and licensing system. Every single actor involved in the rice supply chain, from the individual farmer who sells directly to the market in large quantities, to intermediaries like wholesalers, millers, traders, dealers, and hoarders, and finally to large-scale retailers, would be legally required to hold a specific license to deal in rice. Only licensed individuals or entities would be permitted to engage in any rice-related trade activity, whether it's processing, large-scale storage, or marketing. Robust mechanisms should be established to collect and maintain accurate, up-to-date data on all license holders, including their legal identity, operational capacity (e.g., milling capacity, storage capacity), geographic location, and business history. All this comprehensive license holder data would be centrally stored at the upazila and district level for localised monitoring.

Besides, all the millers and traders throughout the supply chain should be mandated to submit weekly updates regarding their current stock levels of paddy and rice, volumes produced or processed, utilisation of their licensed storage capacity, purchase and selling prices, and total sales volumes from the preceding week. These weekly reports should be submitted directly to the respective Deputy Commissioner's office, which would be responsible for receiving, verifying, and analysing this data. Such frequent data submission would allow for the early detection of unusual spikes in stock levels that could flag potential hoarding. This constant scrutiny would also act as a powerful deterrent against illegal stockpiling outside registered capacities, making it difficult for unscrupulous entities to manipulate supply or prices without detection. Furthermore, real-time data on supply, demand, and prices would enable the government to make more informed decisions regarding imports, exports, and market interventions.

While some consumer protection measures currently exist at the retail level, they are insufficient to oversee the entire complex supply chain. Department of Consumer Rights Protection (DCRP) will have to play a pivotal role, coordinating closely with district administrations. They will have to regularly inspect the licensed warehouses to verify reported stock levels against actual inventory, cross-check their transaction documents, and ensure full compliance with all licensing rules and reporting requirements.

Lastly, it will require strong collaboration among relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of Food, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Commerce. Through such a unified, inter-ministerial approach, the rice supply chain can be managed in a coherent manner, rather than the current fragmented system. This will pave the way for a transparent supply chain.

Ultimately, the successful implementation of such a unified licensing and monitoring framework can dramatically improve transparency and eliminate entrenched malpractice in the rice market. A transparent supply chain is not only essential for protecting consumers and farmers but also a necessary step towards ensuring food security and good governance.​

 

[Saif]

Bina-5 sesame a new hope for farmers

BINA-5 sesame variety has raised hope among farmers in the district and elsewhere in the country, as the crop grows aplenty and makes huge profit in a short duration. According to sources at the BINA Magura sub-centre, BINA-5 sesame is high yielding compared to common variety. The production of BI

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Bina-5 sesame a new hope for farmers

OUR CORRESPONDENT
Published :
Jun 26, 2025 09:37
Updated :
Jun 26, 2025 09:37

BINA-5 sesame variety has raised hope among farmers in the district and elsewhere in the country, as the crop grows aplenty and makes huge profit in a short duration.

According to sources at the BINA Magura sub-centre, BINA-5 sesame is high yielding compared to common variety. The production of BINA 5 sesame in a short duration is 1.5 tonnes per hectares.

The variety of sesame grows in a short duration. BINA- 5 variety takes only 80 to 85 days from cultivation to harvest while 95 to 100 days in common variety. Sesame is highly vulnerable to water logging.

But BINA-5 sesame is temporary waterlogging tolerant. Moreover, this variety is less vulnerable to insect attack compared to common variety. The market price of BINA-5 variety is higher compared to common variety.

Shankar Sarkar, a farmer of village Shibrampur under Magura Sadar upazila, told the FE, "I have harvested my BINA 5 sesame. I have achieve about 15 maunds per bigha while other farmers who have cultivated local variety have achieved only 9 to 10 maunds. Moreover, my production cost was lower than that of them."

Another farmer, Ashim Biswas of village Shibrampur under Magura Sadar upazila, said this year most of the sesame lands in our village faced waterlogging for 3 to 4 days. Water logging has destroyed most of the lands.

"But my land did not face damage due to water logging as I cultivated BINA 5 variety. Moreover I have got higher price from my sea sum compared to other farmers who cultivated common variety."​

 

[Saif]

Most farmland far below optimal productivity

Bangladesh leaves 56 per cent of agricultural land below productivity trajectory while only 1.2 per cent catches up desired level of production with the highest output, although the country meets food deficit with imports. An official survey shows such stark paradox in farmland productivity and fo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

LAND-SCANT BANGLADESH LEAVES AGRO-POTENTIAL UNDERUTILISED
Most farmland far below optimal productivity

FE REPORT
Published :
Jul 01, 2025 00:02
Updated :
Jul 01, 2025 00:02

Bangladesh leaves 56 per cent of agricultural land below productivity trajectory while only 1.2 per cent catches up desired level of production with the highest output, although the country meets food deficit with imports.

An official survey shows such stark paradox in farmland productivity and food insecurity in many agro-households across the country.

The country's 44.37 per cent of farmlands are at the desired and acceptable level of productivity while 55.63 per cent are still under unsustainable level in terms of their annual output value per hectare, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) survey divulges.

The report on its findings, published Monday, further shows the agricultural lands in the urban areas are on the highest level of un-productivity, accounting for 65.48 per cent, compared to the rural areas (54.78 per cent).

Meanwhile, the wage structures among the agricultural workers "are still in a shambles as 39.88 per cent of them don't get paid even at the level of country standard", the BBS report reads.

The nation's statistical agency conducted the 'Productive and Sustainable Agriculture Survey 2025' with samples taken from 15,600 agricultural households and 722 farms across the country.

The BBS survey unveils that the lands in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna and Mymensingh divisions are "in a better position in productivity and risk-mitigation factors" compared to the rest of the divisions across Bangladesh.

In the above-mentioned category, the sustainability rates in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna and Mymensingh divisions are 78.96 per cent, 85.55 per cent, 69.54 per cent and 70.95 per cent respectively-higher than the national average of 69.16 per cent.

According to the survey, Bangladesh's farmers are very much bent on utilising pesticides and fertilisers.

It shows 43.05-percent farmers still use fertilisers without maintaining proper guideline while 48.63 per cent use pesticides in more than a desired level.

The farmers in Mymensingh division use the highest level of fertilisers at 64.05 per cent while Rangpur runs high on pesticide usages at a 63.78-percent rate.

On the other hand, the farmers in Rajshahi and Chittagong divisions use the lowest doses of pesticides at 35.82 per cent and 35.18 per cent.

The rate of fertiliser use is lower in Rangpur and Sylhet divisions (32.79 per cent and 30.53 per cent).

According to the findings, 28.95 per cent of farmers are still not maintaining agro-biodiversity-supportive practices as they produce only one crop in the same land every year.

"A total of 18.34 per cent of agricultural lands still do not get water supply properly as the country's irrigation system still fails to cover them," says the report.

In terms of soil degradation, 27.25 per cent of the agricultural households belong to those lands where more than 50-percent agricultural soils are degrading annually.

On the food-security scale, the BBS shows an overwhelming 81.11 per cent of agro-households have mild food insecurity, 17.72-percent HHs have "acceptable food insecurity" and 1.17-percent HHs are in severe food insecurity.

The country had to import 4.93 million metric tonnes of food-grains under public and private sectors in the financial year 2022-23 to feed the people who do not have enough.

The report-launching ceremony was addressed by Statistics and Informatics Division Secretary Aleya Akter, its Additional Secretary Masud Rana Chowdhury, Agriculture Ministry Additional Secretary Mahbubul Haque Patwary and BBS Project Director Md Rafiqul Islam. BBS Director- General Mizanur Rahman chaired the function.​

 

[Saif]

Introducing innovative farming practices

The country's agriculture has come a long way off, thanks to some remarkable research and experiments with cereals and other crops. But still farm practices in general are yet to be smart enough to turn farmlands economically sustainable. A survey titled "Productive and Sustainable Agriculture Surv

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Introducing innovative farming practices

Published :
Jul 02, 2025 22:35
Updated :
Jul 02, 2025 22:35

The country's agriculture has come a long way off, thanks to some remarkable research and experiments with cereals and other crops. But still farm practices in general are yet to be smart enough to turn farmlands economically sustainable. A survey titled "Productive and Sustainable Agriculture Survey 2025" carried out by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) corroborates this lapse in farming. The study finds that only 1.2 per cent of agricultural land in the country yields the optimal level of output, 44.37 per cent has acceptable or adequate level of productivity and the major portion of land comprising 55.63 per cent has production far below the sustainable level. Still more worrying is the fact that the problem of land degradation occurring at the rate of 50 per cent is encountered by as high as 27.25 per cent agricultural households. The prospect is not only bleak for those families because of this high rate of land degradation, it also unfolds a spectre of fast shrinkage of agricultural land and its attendant ills of displacement of a large number of people and their food insecurity.

Admittedly, the country is not under an immediate threat of falling short of the required land areas for production of enough foods to feed its people. Both the 44.37 per cent and the 55.63 per cent of lands now yielding acceptable and below par level of crops respectively can be improved to a large extent for augmenting production. Even with the existing research results and technological innovation achieved by agricultural scientists of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) along with other such universities and institutes can bring about a change for the better. There has been a kind of inertia on the part of policy formulators in implementing the laboratory knowledge and findings at the field level. However, a new breed of educated young people has come forward to adopt the latest models of agriculture. Although they are a few in number, these new generation of farmers is changing the agricultural map of the country.

How they are doing it? It is quite simple. Bio-diversity-supported agricultural practices they have opted for simply to provide the boost agriculture here needs. Apps-driven irrigation, fertiliser and pesticide use--- with drone replacing manual practice and monitoring crops' health--- have already brought about a paradigm shift in the country's agriculture. The knowledge and technology are there but reaching those to farmers at the field level is what proves highly challenging. But such smart ways of farming economise on irrigation and inputs such as improved seeds including salinity and heat-tolerant varieties, fertiliser and pesticides by determining their correct amounts.

So, to take agriculture to the next level, the latest innovative practices of farming has to be made familiar to even unlettered farmers. Sure enough, there is a need for big investment if a farmer wants to adopt the latest agricultural practices. It is exactly at this point the policymakers have to think out of the box. How to bring small agricultural plot holders under the coverage of smart practice? If farmers' cooperatives are formed and the government provides the machines, tools and devices for payment of prices in instalments, the initiatives will certainly take off. Alongside this, there is a need for directing research focus on stalling extensive land degradation.​

 

[Saif]

Eco-friendly storage units helping farmers preserve potatoes

This season, marginal farmers in eight districts of Rangpur division have stored a total of 6,775 tonnes of potatoes in 394 non-refrigerated model storage units established with support from the Department of Agricultural Marketing under the Ministry of Agriculture..These locally built sto

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Eco-friendly storage units helping farmers preserve potatoes

Photo: S Dilip Roy

This season, marginal farmers in eight districts of Rangpur division have stored a total of 6,775 tonnes of potatoes in 394 non-refrigerated model storage units established with support from the Department of Agricultural Marketing under the Ministry of Agriculture.

These locally built storage units, constructed using indigenous technology, are being hailed by northern farmers as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to cold storages. Each unit cost Tk 1,76,000 to construct and can store up to 30 tonnes of potatoes. These are electricity-free, eco-friendly, and durable.

According to the Department of Agricultural Marketing, the district-wise storage data is as follows: 2,702 tonnes stored in Rangpur's 121 houses, 1,408 tonnes in Dinajpur's 75 houses, 1,032 tonnes in Lalmonirhat's 37 houses, 637 tonnes in Thakurgaon's 47 houses, 341 tonnes in Panchagarh's 38 houses, 327 tonnes in Kurigram's 24 houses, 193 tonnes in Nilphamari's 36 houses, and 115 tonnes in Gaibandha's 16 houses.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agricultural Extension reported that 2,25,985 hectares of land in the division yielded 58.68 lakh tonnes of potatoes this year. Of this, 11.09 lakh tonnes have been stored in 116 cold storages.

Abdul Khalek, 60, a farmer from Komolabari village in Lalmonirhat's Aditmari upazila, said, "Ten of us small farmers together stored 27 tonnes of potatoes in one of these model houses. We plan to sell when market prices go up. This facility was provided to us free of cost by the Department of Agricultural Marketing."

Nazrul Islam, 56, of Bishbari village shared, "The house has bamboo shelves inside. We stored our potatoes without using any sacks. I harvested a small quantity and couldn't secure space in a cold storage. This model house saved the day."

The Department of Agricultural Marketing said each house is expected to last 15 to 20 years, with only minor maintenance needed every three to four years, which farmers can manage collectively by raising small funds.

NM Alamgir Badsha, deputy director of the Rangpur divisional office of the Department of Agricultural Marketing, said, "Since most marginal farmers can't afford cold storages, these model houses allow them to preserve their produce and sell later at fair prices. It's proving to be a highly successful initiative. We plan to expand this further in the future."​

 

[Saif]

How AI can forecast rice market shocks in Bangladesh

Ai can be used to anticipate and manage rice price surge better.

www.thedailystar.net

How AI can forecast rice market shocks in Bangladesh

Bangladesh should pilot AI forecasting systems in key rice-surplus districts such as Naogaon, Bogura, and Jessore. FILE PHOTO: MOSTAFA SABUJ

Rice accounts for about 60 percent of daily caloric intake in Bangladesh and occupies approximately 76 percent of the total cropped land. Despite consistently producing around 39 million metric tonnes of rice annually, the country's rice markets remain vulnerable to sudden price surges. These disruptions are often driven not by production shortfalls but by supply chain bottlenecks or environmental stresses.

For example, in August 2023, coarse rice prices surged by 13 percent in just one month, even though production remained stable and Aman harvest output surpassed the previous year's by 500,000 tonnes. These shocks disproportionately affect poorer households, where even a Tk 2 per kg rise significantly impacts food budgets.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a powerful tool for anticipating and managing these shocks. Ensemble learning models such as gradient boosting, CatBoost, and XGBoost have demonstrated exceptional performance in forecasting rice yields in Bangladesh, with R-square values nearing 0.99 (the higher the R-square, the better a model fits the data). In contrast, rice price forecasting is more complex. Models like Vector Autoregression (VAR), used in markets such as Malaysia, show R-square values between 0.60 and 0.80, reflecting moderate explanatory power. Time series approaches such as ARIMA, applied to Bangladeshi data, have shown promise in predicting yields but limited applicability to price dynamics.

AI systems that integrate environmental variables—rainfall, temperature, and wind speed—can help forecast potential price disruptions. Satellite-based AI pilots in Southeast Asia have successfully detected crop stress up to two weeks before visible signs appear, allowing for earlier intervention. Similar systems in Bangladesh could prompt timely responses, such as adjusting public procurement or releasing food reserves, before prices escalate uncontrollably. This proactive approach can play a crucial role in stabilising the rice market, particularly during climate- or logistics-related uncertainties.

However, the successful implementation of AI in agriculture faces structural challenges. Wetland areas such as haor and char lack reliable internet connectivity, hindering real-time data collection. According to a report by The Daily Star, only 37.8 percent of rural residents in Bangladesh use internet, compared to 68.4 percent in urban areas. This stark rural-urban digital divide significantly limits AI adoption.

Price data at the district level is often collected manually or inconsistently, which reduces model training accuracy. In Bangladesh, and more broadly across South Asia and Africa, tech-driven agriculture is hindered by limited digital literacy, inadequate technical training, and poor data-quality awareness among farmers and officials. This shortage is recognised as a "key barrier" to the effective use of AI: officials cannot interpret models, lack trust in forecasts, and therefore underutilise them. Addressing these foundational issues is essential for any AI-driven solution to have a real impact.

To move forward, Bangladesh should pilot AI forecasting systems in key rice-surplus districts such as Naogaon, Bogura, and Jessore—regions where rice dominates local GDP. Extension offices could be equipped with tablets and dashboards to access real-time AI alerts. At the national level, a unified digital rice price database with real-time feeds from wholesale markets would vastly enhance model accuracy. Equipping local officials and traders with the knowledge to act on such signals would enable them to incorporate AI insights into market-level decisions.

By combining machine learning with real-time data and institutional readiness, AI can help the country move from reactive crisis management to forward-looking food policy. Rice in every table, every household stands to benefit when markets are predictable, prices are fair, and intelligent systems guide national food security.

Ellin Ahmed is a finance major at the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) department of North South University.​

 

[Saif]

Crops on 78,000 hectares of land under water

Heavy rains have inundated vast stretches of farmland across 21 districts in Barishal, Khulna, Chattogram and Dhaka divisions, leaving thousands of farmers devastated as crops and fish enclosures were washed away over the past week.

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Crops on 78,000 hectares of land under water
Torrential rains devastate coastal farmlands

Heavy rains have inundated vast stretches of farmland across 21 districts in Barishal, Khulna, Chattogram and Dhaka divisions, leaving thousands of farmers devastated as crops and fish enclosures were washed away over the past week.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), weeklong torrential rains initially submerged 1.36 lakh hectares of cropland, including Aush paddy, Aman seedbeds, and seasonal vegetables, as of July 8.

I cultivated Aus paddy on three acres of land with a loan from the bank. I also prepared 30kg of paddy seedbeds there. All of it has been submerged— Abdus Shahid A farmer from Feni.

The affected area decreased to 78,173 hectares by yesterday evening.

Md Jamal Uddin, additional director of monitoring and implementation at the DAE's field service wing, said temporary waterlogging has occurred in the 21 districts due to very heavy rainfall across the country.

He said crops including Aush paddy, Aman seedbeds, bona Aman, jute, vegetables, fruit orchards, betel leaf, watermelon, and others have been submerged.

The affected districts include Cumilla, Chandpur, Brahmanbaria, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Noakhali, Feni, Lakshmipur, Khagrachari, Pabna, Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Narail, Barishal, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Patuakhali, Barguna, Bhola, and Shariatpur.

With the reduction in rainfall, water levels are gradually receding, and the submerged areas are declining, Jamal said. A final assessment of the damage to the crops will be possible once the water fully drains in the coming days.

Among the affected areas are 44,662 hectares of Aush, 14,393 hectares of transplanted Aman, 135 hectares of jute, 9,673 hectares of vegetables, 114 hectares of bananas, 293 hectares of papaya, 387 hectares of betel leaf, 297 hectares of broadcast Aman, 104 hectares of chilli, and 281 hectares of summer watermelons.

Many fish enclosures, especially in Noakhali and Khulna, have also been washed away, said local fish farmers and officials.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) said an active monsoon and a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal are causing heavy rainfall in the coastal regions, which is expected to continue for another three to five days -- deepening farmers' worries. The downpour has already pushed up vegetable prices in local markets.

"I cultivated Aush paddy on three acres of land with a bank loan. I also prepared 30kg of paddy seedbeds there. All of it has been submerged by the rain in the last few days," said Abdus Shahid, a farmer from Fazilpur village in Sadar upazila. "I had hoped to harvest this paddy, keep some for my family, and sell the rest to repay the loan. But the rain has washed away all my dreams. I am now helpless."

Abul Kashem of Mukimpur village said his one and a half acres of Aush paddy, 100 sacks of ginger, a papaya orchard, and 30 decimals of Aman seedbeds are under four to five feet of water.

At New Market, Natun Bazar, Puran Bazar, and Kalatala Bazar in Patuakhali town yesterday, prices of most vegetables increased by Tk 10-20 per kg compared to last week. Green chilli prices more than doubled from Tk 120-150 per kg last week to Tk 320-350.

Green papaya was being sold at Tk 30 per kg, bottle gourd Tk 60–70, coriander leaves Tk 200, sweet pumpkin Tk 30, brinjal Tk 90-100, cucumber Tk 30-35, carrots Tk 100-150, bitter gourd Tk 60-65, and snake gourd Tk 35-40.

Saiful Islam, a vegetable seller in Pirojpur town, said, "You'll have to pay Tk 50–70 for any variety of vegetable. Supplies from Bagerhat and Khulna have dropped, pushing prices up."

In the same area, fish farmer Mannan Sheikh said, "There is too much water in the canals. The sluice gate in Orjakhali is closed, and the embankment built at Badhal Bazar for dredging the Bishkhali river has worsened the flooding."

Rampal upazila in Bagerhat district has also been hit hard. "I had fries in my seven-bigha enclosure. The sudden rise in water washed everything away. Recovering from this loss will be extremely difficult," said shrimp farmer Abu Huraira from Chakshree village.

Harunur Rashid, another shrimp farmer, said, "The embankments of all the ponds have broken due to incessant rain. I've lost over Tk 5 lakh. I can't afford to buy fries and start again."

Md Badiuzzaman, Khulna district fisheries officer, said the full extent of damage is still being assessed. However, several shrimp enclosures in Paikgachha upazila have been flooded. According to farmers, fish worth nearly Tk 4 crore have been lost.

Asked about livestock damages, officials from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) said so far, 16 unions across eight districts -- Barishal, Bhola, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Patuakhali, Barguna, Feni, and Lakshmipur -- have reported damage to around 4,900 cows and buffaloes, and 992 goats and sheep.

Md Abu Sufiun, DLS director general, said approximately 25,342 poultry farms have also been significantly affected. "About 30,000 ducks, chickens, and cows have already been vaccinated," he added. The total estimated livestock loss stands at Tk 98 crore so far, though it is still a preliminary figure.

The FFWC bulletin noted that the water levels of the Muhuri and Selonia rivers in Feni are now flowing below the danger level. Meanwhile, the water of the Teesta, Dharla, Surma, Kushiyara, Ganges-Padma, and Brahmaputra-Jamuna are rising but still below the danger mark.

The forecast warns of further moderate to heavy rain in the next three to five days, which could worsen the flood situation.​

 

[Saif]

Precision farming can raise yields by 25%

Bangladesh can boost crop yields by at least 25 percent through the adoption of modern technology in a cultivation method known as “precision agriculture”, according to a Dutch environmental and soil scientist.

www.thedailystar.net

Precision farming can raise yields by 25%
Dutch scientist says in interview

Bangladesh can boost crop yields by at least 25 percent through the adoption of modern technology in a cultivation method known as "precision agriculture", according to a Dutch environmental and soil scientist.


Precision agriculture, also known as precision farming or smart farming, is a modern approach to agriculture that uses data, technology, and targeted management to optimise crop production and reduce waste.

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During an interview with The Daily Star recently, Prof Jetse Stoorvogel of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Open University in the Netherlands, explained that the approach involves collecting information about variables in crop fields, such as soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health, and using this data to make informed decisions about resource applications and management.

The country is in a unique position where agricultural production continues to rise—unlike in many countries where growth has plateaued or declined, said the professor.


To sustain and optimise this progress, precision agriculture is essential in a country like Bangladesh, he added.

According to him, Bangladesh's current crop yields, especially in rice, are at just 50 percent of their potential.

"You're often producing 4 tonnes to 5 tonnes per hectare, whereas 10 tonnes could be possible," he pointed out.


Precision agriculture can help close that gap, he added.

If a field has low yield in one section, precision agriculture may help identify whether it needs more fertiliser, said Stoorvogel, who had visited Dhaka in the middle of July.

This approach allows farmers to use resources more efficiently, reduce costs, improve yields, and minimise environmental harm, he added.

It is particularly important for countries like Bangladesh, where food security is a challenge, the population is growing, and agriculture must become more resilient to climate change and market fluctuations, he said.

The scientist said Bangladesh has made some progress, particularly in developing seeds and adopting technological innovations, and that is the starting point of precision agriculture.

While the rest of the world has moved further ahead, Bangladesh still appears to be in the early stages of adopting precision methods, he added.

He said 25 years ago, a soil test cost $200. Today, handheld sensors go for around $100, and subscription-based advisory services on mobiles now make it possible to deliver real-time, customised advice to even the smallest farms, he said.

These tools, along with increasing access to machinery like combine harvesters and mobile-based advisory services, can make precision agriculture accessible to smallholders over time, he said.

In countries like Kenya and India, smallholders are already benefiting from such tools, and the same can happen in Bangladesh, with its growing access to smartphones and mechanisation bridging the knowledge and technology gap.

Another key issue is fertiliser overuse—many Bangladeshi farmers apply more than 300 kilogrammes per hectare, even when yields do not justify it, he said.

Based on soil conditions and crop performance, many farmers could safely reduce fertiliser use by 10 percent to 25 percent, cutting costs and improving environmental outcomes, he added.

He also said pesticides and herbicides must be applied at the right time, and that is where data and decision-support tools become invaluable.

Stoorvogel said a major concern in Bangladesh is the dominance of smallholder farmers, who often lack the resources to invest in advanced technologies.

In Bangladesh, a large portion of land is rented. Without ownership, farmers may be less inclined to invest in long-term soil health, he said.

He also said climate change is a big challenge for local farmers.

He emphasised addressing these issues step by step.

Private companies in Bangladesh could play a role in this transition by bundling advice, inputs, and even soil testing services, as has been done successfully in Uganda, Kenya, and Vietnam, he added.

They must coordinate across departments—seed, fertiliser, crop protection, and machinery—to offer integrated solutions, he said.

The potential is real, but success will depend on customised solutions, cooperation, and gradual, well-informed implementation.

Ultimately, government policies must support a strong ecosystem involving extension officers, farmers, researchers, and private companies. None can succeed alone, he added.​

 

[Saif]

Early rains spur Aman cultivation in Chapainawabganj

Farmers across the north-western district of Chapainawabganj, also renowned for its mango production, are passing busy days with Aman paddy cultivation, as timely monsoon rains have signalled the start of the season. From transplanting seedlings to preparing fields and repairing bunds, agricultura

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Early rains spur Aman cultivation in Chapainawabganj

UNB
Published :
Jul 24, 2025 12:15
Updated :
Jul 24, 2025 12:15

Farmers across the north-western district of Chapainawabganj, also renowned for its mango production, are passing busy days with Aman paddy cultivation, as timely monsoon rains have signalled the start of the season.

From transplanting seedlings to preparing fields and repairing bunds, agricultural lands across the district are abuzz with activities.

Shah Lal Ali, a farmer from Baliyadanga village in Sadar upazila, said he is cultivating Aman paddy on 12 bighas of land and plans to plant on another six bighas soon.

“The rains arrived early this year, which has been good for farming. The initial abundance of rainwater meant there was no need for irrigation in the beginning, helping reduce costs. If the rainfall continues like this, irrigation expenses will largely reduce,” he said.

Akbar Ali, a farmer from Atahar area, echoed the sentiment. “Aman paddy must be planted during the rainy season. I’ve seen my forefathers rely solely on rainwater for this crop. In years without rain, we’ve had to depend on deep tube wells for irrigation. But this year, timely rains have allowed all the farmers to begin cultivation,” he said.

Akbar said he has already planted paddy on eight bighas of land and plans to cultivate another two bighas once the standing rainwater recedes from a low-lying field. “The market price of paddy is good right now, which has encouraged more people to grow rice this season,” Akbar added.

Meanwhile, Jahangir Hossain, another farmer in the area, expressed concern over rising costs. “The price of ploughing and labour has gone up. On top of that, we have to feed the workers and even provide cigarettes,” he said with frustration.

Calling farming the only way to survive, Jahangir said he has planted paddy on five and a half bighas so far and has another six bighas to go.

In Nezampur of Nachol upazila, farmer Serajul is also preparing his land for cultivation. “Timely rain has helped us a lot. I plan to cultivate three bighas this year. If we continue to get periodic rainfall, it will be a good season,” he said.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the target for Aman paddy cultivation in the district this year has been set at 54,415 hectares.

This includes 10,695 hectares in Sadar, 22,400 in Nachol, 15,670 in Gomastapur, 5,050 in Bholahat, and 600 hectares in Shibganj upazila.

Agricultural officials and farmers expect that 193,144 metric tonnes of paddy will be produced from the cultivated land, helping meet local demand for rice.

Dr Yasin Ali, Deputy Director of the DAE, said farmers are planting both Ufshi (high-yielding) and hybrid varieties of Aman paddy.

“There is no shortage of fertilisers or seeds, and we are providing full technical support to the farmers,” he said, expressing optimism that the district will exceed its cultivation target this year.​