Need for comprehensive food security

There is an overriding need for operationalising plans that can help promote agriculture's development in different spheres, keeping in view the short- as well as longer-term needs of the country's growing population. Bangladesh's population is projected to reach 180 million only one decade and a half from now. So, production increases of food grains will be basically required. But the growing population will also create the need for other foodstuffs or culinary-related products such as pulses, spices, vegetables, oil seeds, etc. So, production increases of all of these foodstuffs will have to be also aimed at, under a comprehensive plan in an integrated manner to get the desired cumulative results. As for meeting the primary challenge of increased cereal production to keep pace with rising needs, arable lands will have to be brought under cultivation using higher yielding seeds and better quality seeds. Only a part of the total cultivable lands are using such seeds at present. Food grain production will substantially increase from expanding the use of such seeds where these are not being used. The supplies of quality seeds to farmers assumes a great deal of importance. The relevant public sector agencies do now cater to only about 20 per cent of the required amounts while the rest are supplied by the private sector. Complaints are frequently made about poor quality seeds distributed to farmers by different sources. Increased monitoring and enforcement of laws should seek to prevent such malpractices. Side by side, production of quality seeds at the initiative of the government should be increased a great deal. Research and development (R&D) will have to be stepped up to produce and distribute to farmers still higher yielding seeds and also ones to withstand the rigours of flood, drought and salinity. The main asset of Bangladesh's agriculture is the fertility of its soil. But this fertility is under a threat from spurious fertiliser and their improper uses. The sale of sub-standard fertiliser will have to be sternly regulated. The improper use of fertiliser such as excessive use of urea should be discouraged and the Agricultural Extension Department under the Ministry of Agriculture should educate farmers extensively on how to get adequate yields from scientific use of less amounts of urea and other fertiliser. Organic fertiliser which are safe for the soil and also as productive as chemical ones are being produced in the country. The use of such fertiliser should be popularised. These not only are comparatively cheaper and help import substitution but also are extremely helpful to preserve the natural fertility of the soil. The comprehensive policies towards food security will also have to effectively address issues of creating sufficient storage spaces for food grains; maintaining incentives to farmers by reaching government's various intended benefits and facilities to them including subsidies incorruptibly and efficiently; promoting modernisation of agricultural techniques; and, further spreading the opportunities for acquiring diverse forms of education related to agriculture.