Transforming Bangladesh’s coastal agriculture needs bridging innovation with policy action

Sharif Ahmed, Manik Debnath, and Humnath Bhandari

Did you know that over 40 million people in coastal Bangladesh, particularly those residing in the lower Ganges Delta, face difficult farming conditions? Many of their lands suffer from soil salinity, which makes crop cultivation challenging. Farmers primarily grow rice during the rainy season and often leave their fields vacant during the dry season. The combination of recurring cyclones, soil salinity, unpredictable rainfall, drainage issues, and limited access to freshwater significantly hinders productivity and negatively impacts farmers’ livelihoods.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to develop a strategic blend of technological innovations and supportive policy actions. Tackling key issues such as water scarcity, poor drainage, climate extremes, and soil degradation is essential for improving agricultural productivity and resilience.