LocationsHow green agriculture bolsters Bangladesh's climate resilience
November 27, 2024
Quinoa cultivation is now popular in the northern part of Bangladesh saving many families from poverty
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In a world increasingly affected by climate change, Bangladesh’s green agriculture movement offers hope and inspiration. The country is forging a path towards sustainability, helping farmers adapt, and ensuring that agriculture remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. Through climate-smart farming practices, Bangladesh is not just surviving but thriving in the face of uncertainty, writes Mosabber Hossain.
Afzal Hossain, a 45-year-old farmer from Rajshahi, Bangladesh, once faced significant challenges with his paddy cultivation. Groundwater levels had dropped dramatically, and despite his best efforts, his rice harvests became less profitable each year. A conversation with an agricultural officer from the local Union Parishad government agriculture office, however, would change the course of his career—and his life.
“I was uncertain at first,” Hossain recalls. “I had always depended on paddy, but the yields weren’t enough to cover the costs. However, when I followed the officer’s advice on seed planting and soil management, I decided to try growing cauliflower. I was amazed by the results—the profits were far higher than I expected.”
Today, Hossain has fully transitioned to vegetable farming. Last winter, he earned 420,000 taka (£3,100) in profits from a modest 120,000 taka (£900) investment. His plans for the coming season? To double his vegetable production. “I’m truly grateful for this change. It has brought new hope to my family and a brighter future ahead,” he says.
Hossain’s success story exemplifies how farmers in Bangladesh are embracing green agriculture practices to adapt to a rapidly changing climate. With floods, droughts, and heatwaves becoming more frequent, many farmers are finding solutions in climate-smart farming methods that prioritise sustainability and resilience. For people like Hossain, these changes are making all the difference.
Lovely Begum’s resilience amidst climate disasters
During the devastating floods two years ago, Lovely Begum lost all her household belongings to the strong current of the floodwaters. Her poultry and chickens were swept away, and her house was destroyed. Amidst this devastation, the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) project became her lifeline.
“My house has been destroyed eight times due to floods and river erosion,” Lovely explains. “Even when the house is repaired, there’s no income to sustain the family. It’s difficult to survive on my husband’s income alone, so I wanted to do something myself. That’s when I learned about the LoGIC project.”
The LoGIC project, supported by international organisations including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Government of Bangladesh, the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Sida, Denmark, and the European Union, introduced Lovely to climate-resilient quinoa cultivation.
“Initially, people doubted me,” Lovely says. “They said it wouldn’t work and that no one would buy quinoa. But after my first successful harvest, those same people now come to me for advice.”
In 2023, Lovely cultivated quinoa on rented land in Mohanganj, Roumari, producing about 450 kg, which she sold for 140 taka (£1.03) per kilogram, earning a profit of 67,200 taka (£500) from an initial investment of 15,000 taka (£110). She used the earnings to pay for her son’s madrasa education and to buy livestock, diversifying her income sources.
Quinoa, often referred to as the "mother of all grains," is gaining popularity in Bangladesh for its nutritional value. Lovely’s success has inspired many villagers to follow in her footsteps, and she eagerly shares her knowledge with them.
In this way, Lovely Begum is nurturing dreams of a brighter tomorrow in Madhyarachar, a village long burdened by the relentless challenges of river erosion and floods.
Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, praised the nation’s pioneering efforts, stating, “Bangladesh’s leadership in climate resilience is truly inspiring. Through transformative initiatives like green agriculture, we are not only adapting to the realities of climate change but also unlocking pathways for a sustainable future. Together with the government, diverse partners, and local communities, UNDP is scaling up innovative practices that secure food systems, safeguard natural resources, and reshape livelihoods for generations to come.
Green agriculture has become one of the most profitable ventures for farmers in northern Bangladesh.
The rise of green agriculture in Bangladesh
As the impacts of climate change grow more severe, Bangladesh is pioneering green agriculture to secure its agricultural future. This approach embraces sustainable farming practices, enabling farmers to adapt to shifting environmental conditions while safeguarding food security and protecting natural resources.
At the heart of green agriculture lies the restoration of soil health, a cornerstone of sustainable farming. Farmers are increasingly adopting organic methods, crop rotation, and reduced tillage to rejuvenate soil fertility and boost carbon sequestration. These practices not only enrich the soil but also fortify it against extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, ensuring resilience in an unpredictable climate.
Water efficiency has also become a critical focus. With rising salinity and persistent water shortages, innovative solutions like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable water management are reshaping farming practices. These techniques conserve precious water resources, reducing dependence on groundwater. In coastal areas, where salt intrusion is a growing threat, salt-tolerant rice and other crops are helping farmers adapt to the challenges posed by rising sea levels and salinity.
Another transformative element of green agriculture is agroforestry. By integrating trees into farming systems, farmers are combating soil erosion, enhancing biodiversity, and creating natural defenses against floods and cyclones. For coastal communities, agroforestry provides a lifeline, reducing the impact of extreme weather events while offering supplementary income through timber, fruit, and other products.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is also taking root as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. By promoting biological pest control and cultivating pest-resistant crops, IPM reduces environmental harm and protects farmers’ health. This eco-friendly approach ensures the longevity and productivity of agricultural systems while minimizing ecological footprints.
Bangladesh is further securing its agricultural future through the development of climate-smart crop varieties. Flood-tolerant rice, drought-resistant wheat, and salt-tolerant vegetables are revolutionizing farming in vulnerable regions. These resilient crops not only withstand extreme weather conditions but also play a vital role in sustaining food security amid a changing climate.
Together, these green agriculture practices are more than a response to climate change; they represent a paradigm shift toward a sustainable and resilient future for Bangladesh's agricultural sector. Farmers across the nation are embracing these methods, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
The woman packages various winter vegetables in Bogura, northern Bangladesh.
Paving the way
Bangladesh’s transition to green agriculture is powered by an alliance of forward-thinking government policies and robust international partnerships. Central to this effort are initiatives like the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP), which provide farmers with the tools to adopt climate-smart practices. These programs offer a comprehensive package, including technical training, financial incentives, and access to modern farming technologies, ensuring that even the most vulnerable farmers can embrace sustainable methods.
International organizations have also been instrumental in scaling up green agriculture. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Bank, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have all contributed resources, expertise, and funding to green agriculture projects across the country. Their support is not only transforming farming practices but also empowering communities to tackle the challenges of climate change head-on.
A woman grew ginger in portable bags during the last flood season, protecting her harvest from the floodwaters. This green business helped lift her out of poverty.
Transforming lives, securing the future
As climate change accelerates, green agriculture stands out as a critical solution for safeguarding Bangladesh’s agricultural sector. Professor Mohammad Ridhwanul Haq of the University of Dhaka emphasizes its transformative potential, stating:
“The green agriculture sector has the potential to reshape Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape, making it more resilient to climate change, promoting food security, and fostering sustainable development. These practices not only protect the environment but also uplift the livelihoods of millions of farmers.”
The successes of farmers like Afzal Hossain and Lovely Begum illustrate the power of green agriculture to change lives. Through innovative practices, they are not just adapting to new challenges but thriving in them. Their stories serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that sustainable farming is more than a necessity—it’s a gateway to a stronger, more resilient agricultural future.
Duncan Macqueen, Director of Forests and Food Systems at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), echoes this sentiment, highlighting the global implications of sustainable farming:
“Sequestering carbon into plant biomass or soils is one of the easiest ways to mitigate climate change—especially when woody biomass is used in long-term applications like wooden architecture or furnishings. With agricultural lands now covering 51 million km², far surpassing the world’s remaining forests, improving agricultural practices is vital for the planet’s health.”
As Bangladesh embraces green agriculture, the nation is not just responding to the climate crisis—it is leading the way toward a future where sustainability, resilience, and innovation define its agricultural identity. With government support, international collaboration, and the determination of its farmers, Bangladesh is proving that the challenges of climate change can be met with courage and creativity.
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