Protecting farmers

Agriculture is fundamental to our economy, as our hardworking farmers enable a land-scarce nation to sustain its entire population. However, several concerning challenges persist such as the annual reduction of arable land, farmers focusing exclusively on high-value crops, and the migration of skilled agricultural workers to the Middle East and Europe for better compensation- all of which jeopardise our food security. Additionally, the rising volume of agricultural imports is unsustainable for a country reliant on imports and facing a reserve crisis.

The government must adopt a strategy to retain skilled farmers, provide incentives and encouragement for them to cultivate less profitable yet vital crops.

Rafid Alam

Dhaka

[email protected]