Since the birth of civilisation in Bangladesh, the agriculture sector has been a vital element in social and cultural lives and the backbone of the economy. Modern technologies were introduced only in the last century, but for the most part of history, people relied only on natural resources and their basic knowledge to cultivate lands.

Even in modern days, the sector is playing a crucial role, with innovations boosting rice production and placing the country fourth in the world on rice production. However, the advent of modern age has been more of a curse than a blessing for Bangladesh agriculture sector. Even before 2000, Bangladesh was self-reliant on agricultural goods and farmers’ physical strength, wisdom and natural resources were all that were needed. But growing reliance on chemicals and rapid industrialisation have reversed the course.

While technology adoption has been arbitrary and inadequate, wastes from unplanned industrial setups and unchecked modern chemical use have polluted farmlands. As a result, the agriculture’s share in GDP has now fallen to 13%-14%. Production of some crops has increased due to the use of modern methods, but the environment has been gravely hampered, threatening agriculture and human lives.

Flash floods and crop loss

In 2020, flash floods in eastern Bangladesh affected 1.3 million farmers, causing losses of $282 million. Livestock and fisheries suffered additional damages of $156 million, leaving families food-insecure and reliant on aid.

Impact of climate change

Climate change has severely impacted agriculture in Bangladesh. Coastal erosion at Kuakata claims 40 hectares of land annually, displacing farmers. Cyclone Amphan in 2020 rendered farmlands saline and uncultivable, resulting in $1.5 billion in damages.

Chemical use and environmental harm

Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has degraded soil fertility and polluted water sources, posing risks to human health and biodiversity.

Technology: Potential and challenges

While agricultural technology has advanced, inadequate training hinders its effective use. Farmers lack knowledge about modern tools and high-yield seeds. Despite urbanisation reducing farmland, improved irrigation and technology have boosted rice yields to 4-5 tonnes per hectare, a significant increase from the 1990s.

Way forward

Reviving agricultural heritage and addressing challenges require strategic planning and farmer-centric initiatives. As agricultural expert Dr KAS Murshid once stated, “Agriculture is not just food; it’s the source of life.” Supporting farmers ensures food security and a prosperous future for the nation.

Jannatul Ferdous Mohona is a student of Environmental Science and Management at Independent University, Bangladesh. Ishtiak Hossain is a student of Department of Law at the same university.