Mohammed Masud: In the history of Bangladesh, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman is remembered not only as a freedom fighter, statesman, and initiator of nationalist ideology—but also as the architect of Bangladesh’s Green Revolution. He realised that for a newly independent nation to survive, it was essential to modernise agriculture, the back-up of the economy. In an agrarian society like Bangladesh, he adopted farmer-centric development policies and placed agriculture at the heart of state policy.
Canal Digging Program: Creation of Natural Reservoirs and Self-Sufficiency in Food
Considering the geographical realities of Bangladesh and the proper use of water resources, Zia initiated a canal-digging program.
• Nearly 1,500 canals were excavated, creating natural reservoirs.
• The pressure on underground water decreased, and surface water was used in agriculture.
• The abundance of fish in canals increased, meeting the protein needs of rural people.
• Irrigation facilities improved, bringing revolutionary success in food production.
This program was a unique example of directly involving the people. Many historians believe that this initiative infused rural society with a new sense of unity and enthusiasm.
The Idea of Cooperative Farming
Zia believed that collective efforts were necessary to increase agricultural production.
• He proposed removing land boundaries to ensure maximum utilization of farmland.
• He envisioned cooperative farming and collective farms, which, on one hand, encouraged socialist-style cooperation, and on the other, aligned with the free-market economy.
Revolution in Agricultural Technology and Equipment Distribution
Shaheed President Zia understood like a scientist: “Good seeds mean good crops.”
Thus, he took groundbreaking initiatives:
1. Reforming seed research and distribution systems.
2. Distributing chemical fertilizers, shallow and deep tube wells, power tillers, reapers, and harvesters to farmers.
3. Liberalizing agricultural input businesses to welcome private sector initiatives.
Farmer-Friendly Financial Support
To ensure financial security for farmers, Ziaur Rahman introduced unprecedented measures:
• In 1977, he launched a special agricultural credit program worth 1 billion taka, allowing small and marginal farmers to access loans without collateral.
• In 1978, he introduced a grain warehouse credit scheme, enabling farmers to store crops and borrow against them, preventing distress sales.
• He introduced direct government procurement of rice and paddy to ensure fair prices for farmers.
Success in Rice, Wheat, and Crop Diversification
• During his tenure, Bangladesh saw its first-ever bumper rice harvest, and rice exports began.
• To increase wheat production, he established the Wheat Research Centre in Nashipur, Dinajpur in 1980.
• Dependence on wheat imports decreased, and farmers were encouraged to cultivate wheat.
• He also encouraged research to increase vegetable and pulse production.
Rural Infrastructure and Electrification
Alongside agricultural development, he prioritized rural development.
• He established the Rural Electrification Board to extend electricity to villages.
• Electricity was used to expand irrigation facilities and promote rural industries.
• Rural roads, bridges, and irrigation systems were improved, making agricultural production and marketing easier.
Involving the Youth in Agriculture and Development
Zia knew that youth participation was vital for development.
• In 1978, he established the Ministry of Youth.
• In 1981, he set up the Youth Development and Training Centre, where young people received training in agriculture, technical skills, and entrepreneurship.
Direct Engagement with Rural Life
Even as President, he directly engaged with farmers in the fields.
• Sometimes with a plough, sometimes with a sickle, and sometimes with a spade.
• He talked to farmers, listened to their problems, and offered solutions.
• This direct involvement endeared him to the people even more.
The Success of the Green Revolution
The results of Ziaur Rahman’s visionary agricultural policies became visible within just two years—
• Record food grain production.
• Reduced dependence on imports.
• Increased financial stability among farmers.
• Strengthening of the rural economy.
• The nation moved toward food self-sufficiency.
Conclusion
Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was not only a statesman but also a true friend of farmers. Under his leadership, Bangladesh embarked on the journey of the Green Revolution. Canal digging, agricultural loans, grain warehouse credit, rural electrification, the Wheat Research Centre—all prove that he regarded agriculture as the lifeblood of the national economy.
The seeds of today’s success in Bangladesh’s food self-sufficiency were sown by Shaheed Zia. Hence, history will remember him not only as a freedom fighter or statesman but also as the immortal architect of the Green Revolution.
(Writer: Editor, The Daily Sobuj Bangladesh)
