BANGLADESH鈥橲 identity as primarily an agricultural nation underscores the pivotal role of its farming sectors in driving economic prosperity. Therefore, fostering a profitable, sustainable, and eco-friendly agricultural framework is imperative to safeguarding long-term food security for its populace. Over the past two decades, agricultural production value has surged steadily, marking an annual growth rate of 3.54 per cent. Recent provisional estimations by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics reveal that agriculture鈥檚 contribution to the gross domestic product for the fiscal year 2021鈥�22 stands at approximately 11.50 per cent.
Presently, the agricultural sector in Bangladesh is undergoing a rapid decline, facing mounting challenges that impede its growth trajectory. These hurdles include the loss of arable land, exacerbated by burgeoning population growth and the adverse impacts of climate change. Moreover, the sector grapples with issues such as the imbalanced application of fertilisers, leading to ecological strain, and inefficient water utilisation, compounding water scarcity concerns. Pests and diseases pose persistent threats to crop yields, further exacerbating the sector鈥檚 woes. Additionally, the prevalence of unfair pricing practices adds to the plight of farmers, while inadequate investment in research stifles innovation and progress in the agricultural domain. These multifaceted challenges collectively constrain the agricultural sector鈥檚 potential and undermine its pivotal role in the country鈥檚 economy.
A significant factor contributing to the decline of the agricultural sector is the diminishing interest among farmers in engaging in farming activities. Despite being the backbone of our agricultural endeavours, farmers are increasingly disillusioned with the profession. This disenchantment is largely attributed to the pervasive influence of syndicate operations, which exploit and manipulate farmers, driving them away from agriculture. The syndicate business model not only undermines the livelihoods of farmers but also jeopardises the well-being of their families. The repercussions of this phenomenon extend beyond the farm, ultimately impacting consumers. The rapid proliferation of syndicate practices serves as a potent force, eroding the fabric of agricultural communities and threatening the sustainability of our food systems.
In this scenario, farmers invest significant effort and resources into cultivating crops, enduring the challenges of nature such as scorching sun and heavy rainfall. However, despite their hard work and financial investment, they find themselves receiving inadequate compensation for their produce. Often, the remuneration falls short of covering even the basic production costs. The unfairness continues as the products transition through the supply chain to reach consumers. Along this journey, intermediaries manipulate prices to their advantage, inflating them to exorbitant levels. Consequently, these middlemen reap substantial profits while farmers are left grappling with financial strain. This exploitative practice not only exacerbates the plight of farmers but also imposes undue burdens on consumers. Ultimately, it perpetuates a vicious cycle of inequity, further exacerbating the challenges faced by both farmers and consumers alike.
On the other hand, the major problem in Bangladesh is unemployment. The government reports a surge in joblessness. The spectre of unemployment looms large over Bangladesh, with the government sounding the alarm on a concerning rise in joblessness. According to data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the nation鈥檚 unemployment rate has surged by 3.51 per cent in the initial quarter of 2024 compared to the preceding quarter of 2023. Presently, the count of unemployed individuals stands at 2.59 million, marking an increase from 2.35 million in the previous quarter of 2023. This staggering uptick reveals a rise of 240,000 in the ranks of the unemployed, underscoring the pressing need for strategic interventions to address this critical challenge. Independent studies paint a bleaker picture of unemployment.
Indeed, empowering youth to directly engage with farmers and streamline the supply chain can significantly mitigate the challenges faced by both farmers and consumers. By enabling youth to purchase agricultural products directly from farmers at fair prices, we can create a more equitable and transparent market. These young entrepreneurs can then leverage their logistical expertise to efficiently transport and distribute these products to retail markets or consumers, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries and reducing overall costs. Moreover, government intervention and media collaboration are essential in overseeing the retail market to ensure fair pricing practices and prevent exploitation. Then the youth can be involved in B2B business. Through coordinated efforts between youth entrepreneurs, government agencies, and media outlets, we can establish a more equitable and efficient agricultural market that benefits all stakeholders involved.
By prioritising the expansion of agricultural output in our predominantly agrarian nation, we aim not only to sustain economic momentum but also to tackle the persistent issue of unemployment head-on. This concerted effort promises a win-win scenario for farmers, consumers, and the burgeoning youth population alike. As fields flourish and yields soar, prosperity will ripple through our communities, fostering smiles of contentment across the board.
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Mrinmoy Sanyal is an entrepreneur.