Unlocking agro-industrial potential

The government's particular emphasis, as reported in this newspaper's April 14 issue, on boosting agro-industrial sector in the country's northern region is a step in the right direction. Already the north has proved that it is a production hub of various agricultural produce such as vegetables and fruits. If the potential of the diverse clusters of farm produce spread all across the region can be exploited for agro-processing, the move can not only cause value addition but also avoid waste of perishable items. The fact that agro-industries have not received the preference for processing the produce is undeniable. In some cases like that of sugar, ill planning and obsolete machines are responsible for losses and higher prices. If advanced technology is introduced to boost production, overpricing and loss can be avoided.

A comprehensive review of the entire gamut of industrial sub-sectors in sync with productive potential is the demand of the time. For example, potato produced in the region usually has a glut with the exception of the year 2024. Farmers growing potato are incurring losses. If there were facilities for processing potato into chips and other foods for export, farmers were not required to lament over supply well beyond demands. Even farmers could be trained to grow better quality potato for export straightway. Mango is yet another farm produce that should have processing facilities in the growing regions of Chapai Nawabganj and Rajshahi. The same is the case with tomato. Agro-processing is limited and pineapple is yet another candidate for such value additions.

Both public and private investment along with joint ventures can advance the cause of agro-processing not only in the country's north but also in the south. Now that the south has turned into a great source of water melon, the fruit can well be used for industrial processing on a large scale. To wit, agro-processing in diverse areas can meet the local demands as well as provide a boost to export of the non-traditional agro-products. To do so, however, there is a need for a comprehensive plan based on reports of the agricultural extension officers posted at the grass-roots level. This is how cultivation of certain crops with low demand can be limited while those fit for agro-processing should be allotted larger areas. However, the objective ought to be to strike a balance between and among primary and cash crops.

There is no harm if cash crops fetch much higher profits than the staples. However, the international price levels of the staples should be taken into account before replacing those with cash crops. The country's cropping patterns have already changed and the crops that are in high demand and also bring healthy profit may get priority so far as cultivation is concerned. Investors will be interested in investing in sectors that deliver robust enough return. Rice produced in the north of the country is sourced mainly for feeding the nation. The acreage of the staple cannot be abruptly cut. Such a need may not arise if the production of perishable items is raised courtesy of introduction of better seeds and application of advanced technology. Fresh investment and expansion of industrial base is a prerequisite for creating employment. Let it happen in order to absorb a sizeable portion of the unemployed.