Prospects for agro-ecological farming is seen bright in Bangladesh as a good many farmers have embraced such farming practices which is found effected so far as crop production and food safety is concerned. Farmers of our country have long relied on chemical inputs for agriculture. Indiscriminate use of chemicals aiming to boost crop yield has resulted in environmental pollution, reduced soil fertility, loss of biodiversity and posed a serious threat to human health. So, adoption of agro-ecological farming across the country can bring about a transformative change in agriculture.
A news item headlined “Bangladesh embraces agro-ecology to prevent chemical overuse” was published in Monday’s issue of the Bangladesh Post. The news was run based on a policy dialogue organised by Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). Experts at the event highlighted the urgent need for agro-ecological farming to ensure nutritious and safe food.
Dr Shaikh Tanveer in his keynote speech said that excessive use of chemicals over the past 50 years has put the soil and environment of the country under serious threat. This is quite alarming for the country.
The financial implications of the traditional farming system are substantial. In the last fiscal year, the government allocated a total subsidy of Tk 24,000 crore for the agriculture sector, with 75 percent of that amount being spent directly on chemical fertilisers.
Besides, the hidden costs—including environmental, social, and health-related consequences—of the country’s current food production system amount to about 13 percent of the national GDP.
The chemical-based farming must be stopped in the country to ensure safe food. Basically, there is no alternative to agro-ecological farming for ensuring long-term sustainability of agriculture.
Food insecurity and global warming are two big problems facing the world now. Agroecology with its earth-friendly farming practices can help resolve these issues to a considerable extent. Sixteen out of every 10 people in South Asia depend on agriculture for their livelihood. So, the countries in this region can utilise this latent capacity and convert the agrarian existence into profitable ventures.
Agroecology means incorporating ecological principles and socio-economic issues into the agri-food systems with the aim of ensuring sustainable agricultural development.
Small farmers in Bangladesh have already started to embrace agro-ecology thanks to many development projects. These projects enable farmers to raise their income by increasing crop yield. These initiatives are also helping to save the environment by means of sustainable agricultural techniques by lowering the amount of chemicals used and restoring soil health, thereby not only enhancing the level of living for rural areas but also aiding to preserve nature.
The government and the agencies concerned must do everything necessary so that all farmers across the country go for agro-ecological farming to ensure safe food and it is the need of the time for our survival.
