In Bangladesh, farmers are the unsung heroes. Yet, generation after generation, they have been left to toil in silence. Their sweat sustains the nation, but they are lef tin a state of neglect. Once a country grappling with food shortages and famine, Bangladesh is now almost self-sufficient in food production. This transformation is owed largely
to the relentless efforts of our farming community. But despite their critical role, farmers continue to face systemic injustices-lack of fair prices, middleman exploitation, and flawed procurement processes. It is disheartening that a kilogram of paddy often fetches less than the price of a kilogram of firewood.
While the government's procurement programmes exist in theory, their implementation is plagued by red tape and corruption. Farmers rarely benefit from these initiatives, reportedly due to a cumbersome registration process, the requirement for certificates and bank accounts-only to be sidelined by brokers and fraudulent beneficiaries.
Moreover, modern farming is a science, but most farmers lack access to essential training, information, or technology. Government apps and helplines have yet to penetrate rural realities. Even access to educational material remains limited due to illiteracy and lack of infrastructure. The promise of low-interest agricultural loans is frequently hijacked by influential non-farmers, while genuine cultivators fall prey to informal lenders who charge exorbitant rates. Many farmers are forced to sell their produce at throwaway prices just to escape the debt trap-leading to land loss, urban migration, and the erosion of farming culture.
Worse still, society continues to treat farmers as second-class citizens. In many circles, the word "farmer" carries a derogatory undertone. This must change. In countries like Japan and the Netherlands, farming is a dignified and respected profession. Bangladesh must follow that path. Educational curricula should celebrate the dignity of labour and honour farmers as nation-builders.
Concrete steps must be taken. These include: direct farmer-to-consumer sales centres, improved procurement systems, union-level agricultural information centres, accessible mobile and online services, simplified bank account opening, crop and land insurance, and the construction of rural cold storage facilities. Regular agricultural fairs and awards recognising farmers at all levels would further restore their rightful place in society. As it is aptly said, "The hand that tills the soil builds the foundation of civilisation." If we truly seek a sustainable future, food security, and a just society, we must stand beside our farmers-not just symbolically on Agriculture Day, but every day, through meaningful action and policies that uplift their lives.
Muhammad Rashedul Islam Akib
Department of Islamic Studies
University of Chittagong
