Bangladesh is lagging behind in agriculture exports in comparison to its neighboring countries despite having adequate potentials in the global market.
Besides introducing faster transport and a world class packaging system, agricultural economists advise production of good quality products.
In recent times, a number of the country’s food products have been ranked among the top 10 in the world in terms of production.
Such products are being exported to Europe, America, Russia, and others after meeting the local demand.
But still the country is not able to secure a better position among the competing nations while India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Thailand are far ahead of Bangladesh in terms of agriculture export.
When asked regarding this, businessmen said that the quality of the product is most responsible for the lagging behind in this sector even though there are various problems including transportation and packaging.
Foreign buyers do not want to buy if the product does not meet quality standards and safety measures.
President of Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters Association SM Jahangir Hossain told Bangladesh Post that Bangladesh is doing well in exporting agricultural products. But we have to ensure faster transport and good product quality.
When asked about the cargo, he replied that as perishable goods, agricultural goods should have priority at the cargo village. As there is no separate space for such items, we often face difficulties there.
At the same time, he demanded to reduce the cargo fare compared to the neighboring countries.
Agricultural Economist Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam Khan advises to discover improved varieties of crops through research and reach them in the fields across the country.
He suggested bringing modern seeds and technology to the country and increasing research at the field level.
According to statistics, it was found that Bangladesh's total agriculture export is 2.47 percent of the world total where Indian export is 11.66 percent, Pakistan 19.01 percent, Vietnam 5.40 percent, and Thailand 14.31 percent.
Agronomist Mustafizur Rahman said that if we can ensure quality products at a competitive price then buyers will definitely choose us. But it’s true we do not have quality infrastructure. We have to ensure these to grab more global markets.
However, to reduce sufferings in agricultural products export, a separate warehouse on two acres of land is being constructed at Purbachal near Dhaka airport.
As the government is looking forward to promoting other products as export earners, such an initiative has been taken. The country’s agriculture had already exceeded a billion dollars in exports. Proper steps can take the sector towards new heights.