Unlocking farm export potential

It is good news that earnings from the export of agro-products -- primary and processed --increased to $595.51 million in the first half of FY2025 from $544.77 million in the corresponding period of FY2024. If the current momentum is sustained in the second half of FY2025, export receipt from this sector will once again surpass the billion-dollar threshold. This promising development underscores the sector's potential to diversify Bangladesh's export portfolio, which is a must as the country prepares for graduation from the United Nations' Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026. The global agricultural export market is valued at $1.90 trillion. It presents vast opportunities for Bangladesh, predominantly an agrarian economy with 45.4 per cent of its workforce engaged in agriculture, to tap into the opportunities of the global agro-market.

The agricultural sector achieved outstanding successes over the years in terms of research and development of new strains of crops, crop diversification and a near self-sufficiency in food production. These achievements of the sector not only contributed to the relative economic stability of the country but also to an increased calorie intake of the people and poverty reduction. It has also led to the growth of a vibrant agro-processing industry. Therefore, credit for increased earnings from agro-export goes to farmers, agro-scientists, and entrepreneurs in processed food industries. Now, with proper planning and policy support, greater adoption of mechanised farming and capacity building for cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses, Bangladesh can make further inroads into the global agricultural market.

One of the key barriers to boosting Bangladesh's agricultural exports is the challenge of meeting stringent international quality standards. While the country exports primarily to the Middle East, Gulf countries, and the UK, significant opportunities remain untapped in markets such as the EU, Japan, and the United States. These markets demand high levels of quality and safety, placing a premium on compliance with stringent international standards. Past instances have shown that the presence of harmful chemicals and pesticides in Bangladeshi agricultural products can lead to trade restrictions and market access barriers. To overcome these challenges, a concerted effort is required to enhance good agricultural practices and strengthen quality control mechanisms. The Bangladesh Accreditation Board must play a pivotal role to ensure that agricultural products meet international standards. Regrettably, Bangladesh lacks the necessary laboratories to issue certificates after thorough quality testing, forcing many exporters to rely on expensive and time-consuming foreign certifications. Investments in advanced testing laboratories are, therefore, crucial to obtaining necessary certifications for entry into highly coveted markets like the EU and the US. Furthermore, promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among farmers is essential to improve product quality and enhance food safety.

Finally, the establishment of modern packaging and processing facilities, along with strengthening the cold chain and improving post-harvest handling practices, are equally important to minimise product loss and maintain quality. Delays at airports caused by inadequate scanners and inefficient transportation processes for agricultural products, coupled with insufficient storage facilities, pose significant challenges to exporters. To address these issues, dedicated gates and scanner machines should be established at airports specifically for agricultural exporters. This will ensure timely and efficient delivery of high-quality products to international markets. An increase in agricultural exports will not only benefit farmers in terms of better returns but also significantly boost the national economy.