Weak research linkages slow agri progress: experts

Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in agriculture, but key challenges remain in areas such as crop diversification, technology adoption, market connectivity and climate resilience, according to agri specialists at a programme marking World Food Day.

At the event at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium in Dhaka yesterday, they said that Bangladesh ranks second in global jute and jackfruit production, third in onion, rice and inland open-water fish production, and fourth in goat meat production.

The country also stands seventh in mango and potato output, twentieth in vegetable production, and first in hilsa production.

However, slow innovation adoption, caused by weak coordination between researchers, the agricultural extension department and farmers, threatens future progress and overall food security, according to the presentation of the event.

AHM Saiful Islam, professor of agricultural economics at Bangladesh Agricultural University, called for accelerating infrastructure and skills development for farmers and researchers.

He stressed collaborative research planning with sufficient funding to advance research, development and climate-smart farming.

He also urged stronger integration among research institutions, academia, extension services, markets and farmers through joint research projects, innovation hubs and agri-tech incubation centres.

Islam said inclusive innovation dissemination should be encouraged through multi-stakeholder platforms.

Dia Sanou, representative of FAO Bangladesh, said nearly 23 percent of Bangladeshis faced food insecurity in 2022, while UN food security analyses show that 16 million people in the country experienced it in 2024.

Yet, the world produces one and a half times more food than it needs, he said, adding that the problem lies not in food production but in its distribution and accessibility.

Valantine Achancho, country director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, said Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in agricultural output and food security.

Even so, significant challenges persist, particularly those linked to climate change, land degradation, inclusivity, rising input costs and market volatility.

These pressures continue to test the resilience of smallholders, who remain the backbone of the rural economy, he said.

Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, secretary of the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry, said food safety is now a pressing concern.

"Fish no longer thrive in the country's paddy fields due to excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides. We must explore ways to reduce chemical inputs and expand organic alternatives to improve food quality," he said.

Masudul Hasan, secretary of the Ministry of Food, said, "There is a systemic failure in the economic structure of our food management".

"Climate change will be the biggest villain in the days to come," he said.

"If the climate shifts, even the best policies cannot be implemented. The effects of climate change will vary from country to country and region to region," he added.