In the absence of adaptive technologies, resilience remains a buzzword rather than a reality for millions of smallholders, writes Makhan Lal Dutta
IN THE low-lying delta where the Padma, Meghna and Jamuna weave life into fertile plains, Bangladesh’s food systems have long been both a blessing and a battleground. Centuries of cultivation have made this land a breadbasket for millions, yet burgeoning population pressures, climate upheaval and a demographic surge to nearly 180 million underscore a stark reality: traditional agriculture alone cannot sustain tomorrow’s Bangladesh. To feed a growing nation, ensure economic vitality and keep farming in the hands of the next generation, a transformation rooted in innovation, resilience and opportunity is imperative.
Bangladesh’s remarkable gains in agricultural productivity are well documented. Self-sufficiency in staples like rice and substantial increases in vegetables, fish, and pulses reflect decades of focused effort by scientists, extension workers and farmers alike. High-yielding crop varieties developed at home have placed Bangladesh among the world’s leaders in outputs such as rice and certain fruits, while strides in e-extension and digital advisory services are beginning to bridge knowledge gaps at the grassroots. Yet these achievements, laudable as they are, risk being overtaken by forces that no longer respond to incremental improvements alone.
Climate change looms as an existential threat to agriculture here. Regular floods, prolonged dry spells, salinity intrusion in coastal belts and unpredictable weather patterns all erode yields and strain rural livelihoods. In the absence of adaptive technologies — from drought-tolerant seed varieties to precision water management systems — resilience will remain a buzzword rather than a reality for millions of smallholders. Innovation here is not optional; it’s survival.
Emerging technologies offer glimmers of that future. Research into machine learning-enabled plant disease diagnostics, for example, showcases how artificial intelligence can empower farmers to detect crop ailments early and accurately, reducing losses and reliance on indiscriminate chemical use. Voice-based advisory platforms tailored in Bengali illustrate how digital tools can bring expert guidance straight to rural hands and voices. These innovations not only boost productivity but also democratize access to knowledge, closing gaps that have long disadvantaged small and medium farms.
Yet innovation must also be grounded in economic viability. Too often in rural Bangladesh, farmers feel trapped in cycles of subsistence with little margin for risk or investment. Limited access to formal credit pushes many towards informal lenders, constraining their ability to adopt new technologies or diversify crops. Value chains remain fragmented: farmers produce, middlemen trade and markets absorb — but returns for producers are often meager, disincentivising the very investment needed for sustained growth. Addressing these structural barriers with finance, market reforms and smart policy is central to keeping young people on the land rather than watching them drift to cities.
Resilience also stems from diversification — not just of crops but of economic roles within the food system. Agro-processing industries, which have grown significantly in recent years, offer pathways to add value locally and unlock export potential. From fruit and vegetable processing to high-value paddy products, there is untapped potential in segments that can generate jobs, stimulate rural enterprise and retain youth in their home communities.
Government and private stakeholders have roles to play here, from strengthening infrastructure to incentivising research-driven agriculture. Policy frameworks that foster public-private partnerships, expand rural broadband for agri-tech solutions and enable climate-smart practices at scale will be crucial. At the same time, community-level initiatives that empower women and marginalised groups in agriculture are essential for equitable resilience; agriculture in Bangladesh has historically been a family enterprise and inclusion enriches its potential.
Generational continuity in agriculture hinges not only on making farming profitable but also on making it aspirational. When a farmer’s child sees tangible opportunity — through technology, markets, or enterprise rather than endless toil — they are more likely to invest their talent back into this foundational sector. Likewise, training and education that blend traditional agronomic wisdom with modern agritech skills can cultivate a new cadre of agri-entrepreneurs capable of steering Bangladesh’s food systems into the future.
Nutrition and food safety are also part of this narrative. Increasing production must coincide with improvements in dietary quality and access to safe food. Good agricultural practices, whether for crops, aquaculture, or livestock, help ensure that outputs not only fill stomachs but also nourish bodies, strengthening human capital for decades to come.
Ultimately, the condition for innovation, resilience and generational continuity in Bangladesh’s food systems is not a single policy or technology; it’s a sustained, inclusive and economically grounded strategy that recognises agriculture as both a livelihood and an engine of growth. The global community, too, has a stake in this journey — through knowledge exchange, climate finance and market access — but the momentum must be rooted here at home. Bangladesh has proven it can feed itself; now it must feed its future.
Dr Makhan Lal Dutta, an irrigation engineer, is chairman of Harvesting Knowledge Consultancy.
