Our unsung heroes

Although the coronavirus outbreak has affected almost all economic activities and disrupted the supply chain in Bangladesh, the agriculture sector has played a key role in saving lives and livelihoods. Food production has not been halted and majority of the rural people had recourse to farming as a means to survive. Had the country not attained near self-sufficiency in food items, there could have been a serious crisis during the pandemic which disrupted the global supply chains.

So, in terms of food security and employment, the country's agriculture is still the important sector even though it may not be that noticeable. However, during the shutdown, there were instances of innovative approach to market farm produces and that have been made possible using information and communication technology. Bangladesh has been one of the top producers of a number of agricultural items and exports of farm produces are also increasing.

However, those making sacrifices for feeding the 165 million are hardly being recognised. Officially, some policy supports are meant for them but they are denied the most basic right- fair price of agriculture produces. When they grow more food items, they are made to suffer as they can hardly sell their items. Time has come to recognise these unsung heroes of the Bangladesh. economy - the farmers.

Ridoy Majumder

Noakhali Science and Technology University

[email protected]