There has been a revolution in agriculture in Bangladesh in the last three decades with the application of various modern techniques including biotechnology. Bangladesh has formulated a food policy that prioritizes adequate, safe, and nutritious food for all, especially women and children.
The development of salinity-tolerant crop varieties has created an opportunity to bring the vast coastal areas of the southern part of the country under rice cultivation. The cultivation and production of multiple crops and short-duration crop varieties have been increased through planned water drainage in the haor area. Thus the area of agricultural land is expanded and productivity is increased.
However, population growth, land depletion, rapid urbanization, slow adoption of advanced technology, and the recurring devastating effects of climate change on agriculture are the main challenges to food security in Bangladesh. As per reports, the cultivable land is shrinking by 69,000 acres every year while the population is growing at the rate of two million a year.
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In addition to improving soil fertility both organically and inorganically, steps should be taken to reduce yield gaps in staple crop/fishery/livestock production, introduce “good agricultural practices” from farm to table; minimize post-harvest losses and food waste at all levels. A favourable trade policy, easy and cheap credit system, and insurance facility for small farms also need to be ensured.
