While agriculture remains one of the most important pillars of Bangladesh’s economy, sustaining millions of rural families and playing a crucial role in ensuring food security, recent findings on agricultural subsidy distribution reveal a concerning imbalance that demands attention.
A large share of fertilizer subsidies is going to the country’s wealthiest farmers, while smaller and more vulnerable farmers receive a disproportionately smaller portion of state support.
Fertilizer subsidies have helped maintain agricultural production and protect farmers from rising input costs. However, a system based largely on land ownership and fertilizer consumption naturally benefits larger agricultural producers who have greater purchasing capacity.
This risks leaving behind the small farmers who form the backbone of Bangladesh’s rural economy.
Supporting agriculture cannot simply mean increasing subsidies. The priority must be creating a system where public resources generate the greatest possible benefit for farmers and the country as a whole.
This requires better targeting of assistance, stronger monitoring mechanisms, and greater investment in services that improve productivity for all farmers, regardless of land size.
The government must also broaden its agricultural strategy beyond traditional input support. Investments in modern farming techniques, agricultural research, irrigation, storage facilities, market access, and climate-resilient practices can help farmers increase their incomes sustainably.
Small farmers, in particular, need access to knowledge, technology, and financial support to compete in a changing agricultural landscape.
At the same time, Bangladesh must encourage diversification within the agricultural sector. While rice production remains essential, greater attention to livestock, fisheries, vegetables, and agro-processing can create new income opportunities and reduce dependence on a single crop.
A fair agricultural policy is also about strengthening the nation’s food security and economic resilience. Public funds must be directed towards empowering those who need support most.
By ensuring that agricultural assistance reaches small and marginal farmers effectively, Bangladesh can build a more inclusive and sustainable farming sector that benefits the entire country.