In the bustling markets of Dhaka, the price of rice fluctuates daily, affecting millions of households. Food is more than sustenance—it’s a measure of security, dignity, and opportunity.

However, in a country like Bangladesh, ensuring everyone has access to safe and nutritious food remains a complex challenge. Climate shocks, rapid urbanization, and economic disparities push families into cycles of food poverty, making it imperative to address food security comprehensively.

This article delves into Bangladesh’s efforts to improve food security, highlighting the initiatives, collaborations, and obstacles on the path to creating a sustainable and resilient food system.

 

The Context of Food Security in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s journey to food security is shaped by both achievements and challenges. As one of the most densely populated countries, with over 170 million people, Bangladesh faces mounting pressure on its agricultural resources.

In rural areas, the fight against hunger is ongoing—40 million people struggle with food insecurity, and 11 million experience acute hunger.

Natural disasters compound the problem. When Cyclone Amphan hit in 2020, rice production dropped by 17% that year, and wheat yields plummeted by 61%. “Each time a flood takes away the harvest, it’s like the future of my children gets taken away,” says Fatema Begum, a farmer in Khulna. Her words reflect the everyday struggles of those most affected by these crises.

 

Agricultural Modernization: A Key Strategy for Food Security

To address these issues, the government and NGOs have focused on agricultural modernization. Programs initiated in 2019 have supported 225,000 farmers in adopting innovative farming techniques, including pest management and irrigation systems.

Special emphasis has been placed on empowering 75,000 women in agriculture. “We’ve seen that empowering women transforms communities—they not only improve household food security but also inspire others,” shares Wahida Akter, Bangladesh’s Agriculture Secretary.

Additionally, a $2.2 million fund has helped producers of high-value crops like mangoes, tea, and jute to scale their operations. “Our productivity increased by 40%, and now we supply markets we could never reach before,” says Rafiqul Islam, a vegetable grower in Rangpur. This progress directly alleviates food poverty by strengthening rural incomes and expanding agricultural output.

 

Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Infrastructure Development

The unpredictable climate remains a formidable adversary for Bangladesh. Recognizing this, the government partnered with the World Bank to launch the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Water Management Project.

This initiative, supported by $120 million, has already transformed 120,000 hectares of vulnerable farmland by modernizing irrigation and flood drainage systems, reducing crop damage from floods by 60%.

The project equips 100,000 farmers with the skills to diversify their crops and practice sustainable farming. “Diversifying into fish and shrimp farming has brought stability to my income, even when the rice fields are underwater,” explains Noor Hossain, a farmer in Barisal.

Thanks to new cold storage facilities and upgraded marketplaces, fish productivity has increased by 37%, while vegetable production has grown by 10%, providing more food options in local markets.

Rural infrastructure improvements have further enabled the distribution of fresh produce. Roads damaged during monsoon seasons have been rebuilt, and 27 agricultural markets now connect remote villages with urban centers, ensuring that farmers like Noor can sell their produce without delay.

 

Food Safety and Regulatory Challenges

Food security extends beyond availability—it also hinges on food safety. Recognizing this, the government enacted the Food Safety Act of 2013 and established the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) in 2015. The goal was to align national safety standards with international benchmarks set by Codex Alimentarius.

Yet, challenges remain. A recent study found that 67% of bottled soybean oil sold in Bangladesh contained trans fats above WHO-recommended levels. “Consumers need to trust that the food they eat is safe, but outdated regulations make it difficult to maintain that trust,” notes Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, a public health expert.

The BFSA, working with over 200 food experts, has developed 11,200 new food standards, awaiting government approval. Harmonizing these standards with WTO sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) protocols will be critical to ensuring that Bangladesh can maintain food safety while expanding exports.

 

The Role of Trade and Market Competitiveness

Bangladesh’s success in improving food security also relies on strengthening its trade competitiveness. With the country poised to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, the focus has shifted toward facilitating agricultural exports. USAID’s collaboration with local institutions has improved customs operations, reducing trade processing times by two days, and boosting export efficiency.

Expanding into high-value sectors like horticulture, fisheries, and poultry presents significant growth opportunities. “Our ambition is to make Bangladesh not just food secure, but a global food exporter,” says a senior official at the Ministry of Commerce. Through public-private partnerships, the rehabilitation of over 100 kilometers of rural roads is making it easier for farmers to reach both local and international markets.

 

Agriculture as a Driver of Poverty Reduction

Agriculture has been instrumental in poverty alleviation in Bangladesh. Between 2000 and 2010, the poverty rate declined from 48.9% to 31.5%, driven by investments in irrigation, mechanization, and high-yield crops. Today, over 87% of rural households earn income through farming, underscoring the sector’s role in economic resilience.

The government’s efforts to diversify agriculture into livestock, poultry, and fisheries have further enhanced rural livelihoods. “Having poultry gives us a steady source of income, even during lean seasons,” explains Amina Khatun, a farmer from Mymensingh. These efforts ensure that rural families are not solely reliant on seasonal crops, fostering long-term stability.

 

Future Directions: A Collaborative Approach to Food Security

Bangladesh’s path to sustainable food security requires ongoing investment, policy reform, and international collaboration. Strengthening the BFSA’s capacity to enforce food safety standards will be crucial for ensuring public health and enhancing market confidence. Continued efforts in climate-smart agriculture will also be essential, especially as climate change intensifies.

Increased investment in research and development to create climate-resistant crops will provide long-term solutions. Additionally, empowering women and young entrepreneurs in agriculture will accelerate the country’s progress toward food security.

“The future lies in innovation and collaboration,”

says Robert Simpson, FAO’s representative in Bangladesh.

 

Conclusion: Towards a Secure and Sustainable Future

Bangladesh’s journey toward food security showcases the power of coordinated action, from agricultural reforms to food safety regulations. The nation’s progress, however, must be sustained through continuous efforts to address climate risks, enhance infrastructure, and promote trade.

With the combined strength of government policies, international partnerships, and grassroots efforts, Bangladesh can overcome its food security challenges with collective resilience and innovation, creating a brighter future for its citizens.