Making most of monsoon for sustainable agriculture

Agriculture and the monsoon are deeply interconnected in Bangladesh. Nearly 75 per cent of the country's annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon season, making it indispensable for agricultural production. As an agrarian nation, more than 40 per cent of Bangladesh people depend directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihoods. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the agricultural sector contributes more than 11 per cent to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The monsoon, therefore, is not merely a season; it is a cornerstone of Bangladesh's food security and rural economy.

Another important monsoon crop is jute, often referred to as the country's "golden fibre." Once the leading source of foreign exchange earnings, jute continues to make a significant contribution to the national economy. According to agricultural statistics, the country produced more than 1.5 million tonnes of jute in 2025.

The monsoon season is also highly favourable for vegetable cultivation, fruit production and the fisheries sector. However, despite these benefits, monsoon agriculture is increasingly threatened by climate change. In recent years, flash floods, excessive rainfall, riverbank erosion and prolonged waterlogging have severely affected agricultural production across the country. According to various government and international reports, the devastating floods of 2024 damaged approximately 1.1 million tonnes of rice, causing losses amounting to several thousand crore taka.

To address these challenges, Bangladesh must strengthen climate-resilient agriculture through the development of stress-tolerant crop varieties, improved seed distribution systems, greater agricultural mechanisation, crop insurance schemes and modern post-harvest storage facilities. In addition, providing farmers with weather-based advisory services can help them make informed production decisions. With appropriate planning, investment and technological innovation, monsoon agriculture can become more productive, resilient and sustainable, ensuring long-term food security and economic prosperity for Bangladesh.

Abul Bashar Meraz

A Senior Program Officer

SAARC Agriculture Centre, Bangladesh