Advanced technology for agriculture

The country's economic scene is changing fast with ready-made garment (RMG) products and remittance leading the way in the country's economic growth. These days, a major portion of the agro-related workers now migrate to the RMG sector or go abroad to become expatriate workers. The phenomenon is assuming the proportions of a crisis in agriculture in general, signalling looming challenges for the sector. The chief among them is the shortage of agricultural workers. At present, huge tracts of land remain unutilised for lack of workers. During harvesting seasons, maximum numbers of workers are required. Labour cost is rising fast for the dearth of agricultural hands. Sufficient workers are not available even after offering extra wages. The labour crisis has thus turned out to be a major impediment to the tapping of agricultural potential for growing more crops for the increasing numbers of people. Not much research has been carried out in the areas of, among others, determining the sizes of agro-lands left unutilised throughout the year all over the country, or how every piece of land can be used to produce more food.

 Since ample job opportunities, outside agro-sector, are available now, these days the offspring of a farmer do not want to pick their profession in agriculture. He/she prefers other types of job. Adopting modern technology could be the only way to cope with the situation. New technology has been in place in the agricultural sector since the early 70's; but the pace of adoption has been slow.

Given the discouraging realities, a pragmatic way out could be the full use of advanced technology in all types of agro-related activities. This will help raise productivity and reduce labour cost. Currently, a few tracts of land are tilled with tractors, but no other machinery is put to use in agro-related operations. The barrier of huge shortage of workers can be overcome by using modern technological devices like sowing and cutting machines. The government-sponsored as well as private institutional interventions are very much necessary in this respect. In the banking sector granting agro-loan is mandatory. But the actual situation is not at all encouraging. The government needs to look into the whole issue with great urgency to continue the pace of development.               

The country has well-equipped agricultural research institutions. At the moment, it needs fruitful cooperation and coordination between various stakeholders in the agro-sector to get the maximum benefits.     

The writer is SEO and Manager, Operation, Jamuna Bank Limited, Dakshinkhan, Dhaka. milonmoni@yahoo.com