The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts that Bangladesh’s rice production will fall to 3.66 crore tonnes in the 2024-25 season. The main factor behind this is the repeated flooding, which has caused damage to around 3 lakh hectares of Aman paddy. While the yield per hectare has improved to 3.1 tonnes, farmers are still grappling with rising costs in production, transportation, and inputs. As a result, many farmers are left with minimal profits.
The reduced output, coupled with increasing prices, could put immense pressure on the country’s rice supply. Bangladesh may be forced to increase rice imports to meet demand. The government is considering tariff reductions to ease the financial burden.
However, it remains unclear whether these measures will prevent further price hikes or ensure rice affordability. The situation underscores the challenges faced by farmers and the importance of addressing both immediate and long-term agricultural sustainability.
Source: Business Inspection BD
