Protect maize farmers’ interests

While it is good to know that maize production in Bangladesh has become profitable for our farmers, particularly in the country's northern region, it is disconcerting to note that proper storage and processing facilities for maize still remains a major concern. In the absence of such facilities, farmers are not getting good prices for their produce. According to a report published by this daily yesterday, farmers in Lalmonirhat are getting more interested in growing maize, as it grows on sandy soil and needs less irrigation, and also because it gives a relatively better return compared to some other crops. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), more than 20,000 families, mostly based in the district's char areas, have achieved food and financial security by growing the crop.

Maize cultivation began in Lalmonirhat district in 1995. At that time, only 150 hectares of land was being used to cultivate it. Over time, about 100,000 hectares of land in the country's northern region has been brought under maize cultivation. Currently, Lalmonirhat produces about one-third of the total maize produced in Bangladesh's northern region. 

Since more and more farmers in the northern region are turning towards maize cultivation, the need for proper storage facilities has also grown. According to farmers, while each maund of maize can be sold for around Tk 700-800 during the harvest period in May-June, two to three months later, the price goes up to Tk 1,050-1,200. It means that the traders who buy the crop directly from the farmers during the harvesting period are benefitting more, while for the growers, it's a lost opportunity. Since various feed companies and local buyers purchase maize directly from the farms at fair prices, farmers can sell their produce directly to the buyers if proper storage facilities are ensured.

Farmers across the country in general often have to incur losses, despite having bumper yields of their crops, due to the absence of proper storage facilities. We have seen how vegetable growers across the country suffered for lack of storage facilities during the countrywide shutdown enforced to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Against this backdrop, we think the authorities concerned should increase crop and vegetable storage facilities across the country to protect the interest of farmers. And to protect the maize farmers' interest in the northern region, the authorities should not only build storage facilities, but also set up maize processing centres nearby. Not only will it give farmers the scope to earn more from the crop, but it could also help ensure that Bangladesh can soon become self-sufficient in maize production.