A fertile crisis: Declining soil health drives up farm expenses
Bangladesh’s agriculture sector is grappling with a critical challenge as declining soil fertility and reduced productivity threaten to destabilise its farming economy.
A recent study by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) reveals alarming trends that link soil degradation, inefficiencies in labour, and outdated farming practices to increasing production costs and rising food prices.
The research, titled “Agricultural Productivity and Technical Skills in Bangladesh,” was presented by Tajnoor Samina Khanam, a research fellow at BIDS, on the concluding day of the organisation’s annual conference in Dhaka. The findings highlight the need for urgent reforms to safeguard food security and ensure the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.
The study identifies several pressing issues:
Declining land productivity:
From 1991 to 2000, land productivity grew by 2.75 per cent annually. However, between 2011 and 2021, it entered negative growth, falling to -0.44 per cent and -0.35 per cent in consecutive decades.
Causes include soil degradation, overuse of synthetic inputs, and unsustainable agricultural practices.
Labour productivity slowdown:
Labour productivity, which grew robustly at 4.48 per cent from 2001 to 2010, slowed to 2.40 per cent (2011–2020) and 2.53 per cent (2012–2021), reflecting diminishing labour efficiency.
Decline in total factor Productivity (TFP): TFP, a measure of output relative to combined input use, showed 6.32 per cent annual growth (1990–2021). However, growth stabilized from 2011–2017 and declined after 2018, reflecting inefficient use of resources.
Rising production costs:
Between 2012 and 2018, rice production costs grew by 3.45 per cent annually, outpacing the 1.31 per cent growth in rice prices. This narrowing profit margin is straining farmers economically.
Land fragmentation:
Initially beneficial for smallholder productivity, land fragmentation turned detrimental after 2015, reducing both productivity and efficiency.
Unsustainable water management:
Over-reliance on groundwater irrigation has proven unsustainable, while surface water systems remain inefficient, posing risks to long-term agricultural viability.
A call to action: Strategic recommendations
To address these challenges, the study proposes several strategies: Precision agriculture and resource optimisation.
Implementing advanced technologies such as improved irrigation systems, precision farming, and high-quality seed technology can maximize resource use and boost productivity.
Restoring soil health
Practices like regular soil testing, organic fertiliser application, and crop rotation are crucial for rejuvenating soil fertility and sustaining yields.
Stabilising input costs:
Reducing dependency on costly synthetic inputs, alongside supporting the development of quality agricultural products, can alleviate financial pressures on farmers.
Climate-smart agriculture:
Introducing practices tailored to mitigate climate change impacts—such as drought-resistant crops and water-efficient farming—can ensure resilience against environmental challenges.
Support for small farmers:
Government-backed training, subsidies, and integrated farming models can help smallholders improve efficiency while maintaining equity.
