Government steps to tackle potato market
Government steps to tackle potato market
Dr. Jahangir Alam
- Director, Dhaka School of Economics and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Global Village
- Wed, 4 Oct 23
Dr. Jahangir Alam: Director, Dhaka School of Economics and Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Global Village
Alarming warning signs in food security
High inflation, slow production growth, reduced imports, and disruptions in the supply chain have put our food security at risk. We were generally informed by various sources that 20 to 22 percent of people suffer from food insecurity. Now this has risen to 26 percent.
Factors behind rising vegetable costs in Kartik
The month of Kartik is upon us, a time often associated with crisis in rural Bengal. In the northern regions of the country, this period is referred to as "Monga kal," or the season of famine. During this time, agricultural activities decrease, leading to a reduction in the earnings of farm laborers. The Aman rice is in its growing stage, and there is less variety of other crops available. The supply of summer vegetables significantly diminishes, hitting rock bottom. Seasonal vegetables begin to appear only towards the end of Kartik, with their supply increasing in late Hemanta, or early Agrahayan.
Ensuring accurate data key to reforming agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors
Dr. Jahangir Alam, a renowned agricultural economist and researcher, currently serves as the Director of the Dhaka School of Economics. Previously, he held the positions of Vice Chancellor at the University of Global Village and Director General of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute. Recently, due to severe flooding in 11 districts of the country, there has been extensive damage to the agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors. To recover from this damage, the interim government needs to implement specific plans and measures. He has discussed these issues in an interview with 'Views Bangladesh,' conducted by K.M. Zahid.
Post-flood agricultural rehabilitation should be the top priority
The southeastern, central, and northeastern regions of Bangladesh have been devastated by the most severe flood in recent memory. This sudden flood has already inundated 11 districts, with its effects also felt in the surrounding areas. Approximately 5.7 million people have been directly affected, with around 1 million trapped by the water. So far, 23 people have lost their lives. Many others are suffering from extreme hunger and disease. Those who managed took shelter in relatively high places, markets, schools, embankments, major roads or railway stations. For those who couldn’t escape, their tears have merged with the floodwaters, and their homes have been submerged. Rice fields are under water, and ponds have become deep pools. Fish, ducks, chickens, and livestock have all been washed away. They are suffering from a shortage of food, drinking water, medicine, and clothing, spending sleepless nights in the flood-affected areas. Some people look up to the sky, calling out to their Creator and Sustainer.
Obstacles to achieving food security
Food grain production in Bangladesh has been continuously increasing. Over the past 53 years since independence, the production of food grains has grown at an average annual rate of about 3 percent. Despite this, we still import a large amount of food grains every year, including rice, wheat, and maize, among other products. The annual import of cereal grains alone amounts to 7 to 8 million tons. When other agricultural products such as pulses, oilseeds, sugar, spices, and dairy products are included, the total import amounts to 9 to 10 million tons. The expenditure on imports is around 80 to 90 thousand crore taka. Nevertheless, there is still a food security deficit in the country, and food inflation is rising.