2.5 Government Initiatives to enhance Bangladesh’s Bioeconomy
Programmes and projects for development
The Ministry of Agriculture in Bangladesh has undertaken a comprehensive set of initiatives within the irrigation and crop sub-sector as part of various development projects to address the current global economic crisis. These initiatives are aligned with the directives of the Honorable Prime Minister and are primarily aimed at optimizing crop production while ensuring that no arable land remains uncultivated.
The Ministry of Agriculture is actively executing a diverse range of development projects and programs across different facets of the agricultural sector. These efforts encompass research, education, extension services, marketing, support and rehabilitation, innovation, procurement, input management, seed production, storage, distribution, irrigation expansion, fertilizer management, farm mechanization, and crop storage. These multifaceted endeavors are essential for the long-term goal of ensuring food security in the country.
Some of the key reform activities and projects include initiatives to increase cropping intensity in haor areas, ensuring year-round fruit production to enhance nutrition security, and projects aimed at reducing groundwater stress and enhancing groundwater levels. Additionally, projects that expand irrigation capabilities using rubber dams, promote rainwater conservation in the Barind Region, and utilize solar energy-driven dug wells for minor irrigation facilities are in progress. The Ministry is also engaged in educating farmers and agricultural personnel on efficient land use and the proper utilization of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs. Moreover, the establishment of the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Training on Applied Nutrition (BIRTAN) addresses nutritional issues and contributes to the development of skilled human resources and employment opportunities. The development of crop varieties resilient to floods, drought, salinity, and high temperatures is a key element in mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture. Crop zoning technology, fair pricing for agricultural products, and farm mechanization technology initiatives are also actively promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, programs to ensure the supply of quality seeds through seed cold storage facilities, modernization of seed production and distribution systems, and initiatives like the Program on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience (PARTNER) are actively supporting the agricultural sector’s development. Projects such as the Flood Reconstruction Emergency Assistance for Agriculture (FREAR) project, Kandal Crop Development Project, and online-based agricultural services are contributing to increased crop production and technology enhancement. The introduction of internet facilities for market information dissemination and the establishment of a Post-Entry Quarantine Center are further steps in this direction. The Ministry is also promoting organic pest control methods and organic agriculture activities, as well as working on the Genome Sequencing of Jute project. The use of solar energy for irrigation, the encouragement of women’s participation in agriculture, and the identification of pests and diseases affecting crops are additional facets of the Ministry’s efforts. Synchronized cultivation practices and the establishment of family nutrition gardens in homesteads and uncultivated fallow land further contribute to the development of Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.
Conservation Programme for Jatka
The Conservation Programme for Jatka Hilsa is a crucial initiative aimed at preserving Bangladesh’s rich tradition and culture surrounding Hilsa fish production. Bangladesh is a global leader in Hilsa production, with Hilsa making up a significant portion of the country’s total fish production, contributing over one percent to its GDP, and holding a unique identity in the global market with a Geographical Registration Certificate (GI Certificate) for Bangladesh Hilsa. Bangladesh is recognized as the primary global supplier of Hilsa, accounting for more than two-thirds of the world’s supply. To enhance Hilsa production and ensure its long-term sustainability, the government has implemented a series of strategic measures. These include the formulation and execution of the Hilsa Fisheries Management Action Plan, the identification of a major Hilsa breeding area in the Bay of Bengal, the establishment of Hilsa sanctuaries in various river basins, the designation of a Marine Reserve Area adjacent to Nijhum Dweep, and the enforcement of awareness programs and fishery regulations during the peak spawning season to protect Hilsa brood. Measures also involve an 8-month ban on Jatka fishing, a 65-day ban on all types of fishing in the Bay of Bengal, and efforts to improve the livelihood of Hilsa fishermen by providing Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) and promoting alternative income sources. These collective efforts, combined with joint operations and mobile court interventions to protect Jatka and encourage Hilsa breeding, have resulted in a substantial increase in Hilsa production and size. In the fiscal year 2021-22, Hilsa production reached 5.67 lakh MT, representing a remarkable 66.76 percent growth compared to the 3.40 lakh MT produced in FY 2010-11. Furthermore, as part of a social security program, 59,141.04 MT of food assistance was distributed to 3.91 lakh Jatka families at a rate of 40 kg per month. In 2022, special operations were conducted in 17 districts to combat the misuse of illegal fishing nets, with the aim of preserving Hilsa. These districts include Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barguna, Pirojpur, Jhalokhathi, Chandpur, Noakhali, Cox’s Bazar, Chattagram, Laxmipur, Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Shariatpur, Madaripur, and Munshiganj.
Resource Management for Marine Fisheries
Resource Management for Marine Fisheries in Bangladesh is a crucial component of the country’s maritime development. The government has established a strong foundation for the sustainable utilization of marine resources, driven by its historic maritime initiatives. In 2014, a comprehensive plan was set in motion to ensure responsible and sustainable management of fish resources within Bangladesh’s extensive maritime territories. To facilitate effective resource management and promote a green economy in the marine waters, two key policy documents have been introduced: the ‘Marine Fisheries Act- 2020’ and the ‘Marine Fisheries Policy 2022.’ These policies provide a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. In addition, significant efforts have been made to collect valuable data for analysis. The research vessel ‘RV Mean Sandhani’ has conducted 44 survey expeditions in the Bay of Bengal by February 2023, contributing to the understanding of the marine ecosystem. Moreover, formal requests have been made to international bodies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for comprehensive surveys of Bangladesh’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), enhancing the knowledge of marine resources. Efforts to improve the well-being of fishermen and coastal communities are ongoing. The establishment of 450 fishing villages is geared towards co-managing marine fisheries resources, and these projects provide support for agriculture and the development of marine fisheries value chains. The emphasis on applied research enriches the maritime economy while ensuring the sustainable utilization of marine resources.To combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, a National Plan of Action (NPOA) is actively being implemented. Moreover, restrictions on fishing activities, especially during the 65-day ban on all types of fishing in the sea since 2019, play a crucial role in conserving marine resources. Humanitarian assistance programs, such as the allocation of Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) support, have been made to support fishing families in coastal districts, contributing to their socio-economic well-being. The government has also enforced bans on destructive fishing techniques, including seine nets, to promote sustainable fisheries management and reduce fishing pressure. Joint operations within coastal districts further contribute to the conservation of marine resources. A notable initiative is the ‘Pilot Project on Tuna and Similar Pelagic Fishing in the Deep Sea,’ which holds the potential to unlock new opportunities within the ocean economy. Bangladesh’s commitment to responsible marine resource management has yielded significant results, with marine fish production in the fiscal year 2021-22 reaching 7.06 lakh metric tons, marking a substantial increase compared to a decade ago. This underscores the government’s dedication to the sustainable utilization of marine resources and the enhancement of its maritime economy.