As climate change continues to disrupt Bangladesh’s agriculture, farmers are seeking innovative ways to sustain their livelihoods. In Lalmonirhat district, mulching technology is emerging as a simple, low-cost solution that conserves soil moisture, reduces irrigation needs, lowers input costs, and improves climate resilience.
Based on a field visit, this article explores how mulching supports farmers’ adaptation efforts, eases financial stress, and discusses the challenges and opportunities for scaling up this smart farming practice.
Farming under climate and cost pressure
Higher temperatures and declining rainfall are severely affecting crop cultivation in Lalmonirhat district, and the long-term climatic data support these shifts, indicating that the average maximum temperature of Lalmonirhat increased by 0.059 °C, 0.074 °C, and 0.064°C in the Boro, Jute, and Wheat seasons, respectively.[1]
Water scarcity has prevented many farmers from transplanting paddy, while crops like chili, eggplant, and banana have also suffered. To cope, farmers are relying more on costly artificial irrigation. At the same time, the prices of fertilizers and pesticides have
“Before, nature helped us farm; now we have to buy water, buy fertilizer, and buy time.”
Water scarcity has prevented many farmers from transplanting paddy, while crops like chili, eggplant, and banana have also suffered. To cope, farmers are relying more on costly artificial irrigation. At the same time, the prices of fertilizers and pesticides have risen sharply; urea now costs Tk 1,350–1,400 per sack compared to Tk 1,000 previously, and DAP has jumped to Tk 2,500 from Tk 800. These price hikes, combined with other agricultural input shortages, are pushing farmers to buy from open markets at inflated rates, further squeezing profit margins.
How mulching works and why it matters
Mulching involves covering the soil with a protective layer, often thin plastic film or organic matter, which locks in moisture, regulates temperature, and prevents weed growth.
According to Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer and groups of farmers, mulching technology offers significant adaptation advantages, helping farmers manage the challenges of changing and extreme weather patterns. This mulching reduces the likelihood of total crop failure and protects the farmer’s total investment. Farmers described mulching as a “risk-mitigating technology” that stabilizes income amid climatic uncertainty. During heavy rains, mulching prevents waterlogging and root rot. During droughts, it retains soil moisture by trapping evaporated water vapor beneath the film, allowing plants to reabsorb it.
“Mulching is not just about saving money; it’s about saving crops.”
Economic and agricultural benefits
Financially, mulching has also proven to be more efficient. Field data from AAGRO’s pilot plots initiative show that smart farming using mulching costs around Tk 78,700 per bigha annually, compared to Tk 100,800 for traditional methods. The savings come from fewer irrigation rounds, little to no weeding costs, and reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides. Some farmers even earn extra income by selling used plastic films for recycling. According to farmers, to begin with, mulching requires an initial investment but ultimately reduces recurring agricultural costs.
One of the most promising outcomes of mulching is its role in enabling off-season cultivation. By moderating soil temperature and moisture, farmers can now grow crops like chili during the monsoon or watermelon in winter, when market prices are highest. A farmer shared that his off-season chili sold for Tk 250 per kilogram, nearly double the usual rate.
“Using this method, farmers can plant about three times more bitter gourd plants per decimal of land compared to traditional farming. Crops like bitter gourd or cucumber can be harvested within 45 days after planting, providing instant returns.”
Al Amin Hasan, Farmer
Challenges in adopting mulching technology
The shift to modern mulching technology faces significant hurdles, ranging from deep-seated cultural skepticism to critical financial constraints. The primary resistance to mulching comes from a lack of familiarity and immediate skepticism among farmers and laborers. Laborers express direct doubts, claiming the plastic would impact the growth of the crops due to intense heat.
Again, the largest practical barrier is the initial cost required to set up smart farming methods like mulching. This high upfront investment is unaffordable for many farmers. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) recognizes the potential of mulching but has yet to include it in large-scale programs.
Policy direction for scaling mulching
For mulching to expand beyond pilot projects, coordinated institutional support is essential. Experts and farmers alike emphasize that the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) should integrate mulching into its regular extension services and demonstration plots.
To overcome the initial investment barrier, targeted micro-loan schemes or subsidy programs can help marginal farmers afford setup costs. These should be paired with training and awareness initiatives, highlighting local success stories.
Relevant government and non-governmental organizations should provide more funding and institutional support to these youth-led groups, who are at the forefront of implementing smart agriculture. In addition, by leveraging the success of young farmers who are already innovators, the agricultural sector can attract more young people and foster a new generation of entrepreneurs.
By applying the mulching technique on 30 decimals of land for chili cultivation, I invested about 45,000–47,000 BDT, and saved an additional 20,000–25,000 BDT compared to traditional farming methods.
“While financial aid is necessary, it must be combined with proper training. I was able to start my smart farming because I received both knowledge and financial support.”
Monowar Hossain Musa, Farmer
[1] Lutfunnahar Mst, Rezaul Hoque ATM, Farhan Mashuk Md, Angona ANA, Islam Hasibul Md (2024) “Impact of Climatic Variables on Three Major Field Crops in Char areas of Lalmonirhat District” Journal of Science and Technology, 105-113