Bangladesh faces a looming rice crisis, with recent floods damaging many hectares of Aman rice, one of the country’s main crops, according to media. Amon accounts for 40 percent of the country’s rice production and the estimated sho n rtfall of 800,000 to 900,000 tonnes could have severe consequences for food security, especially in areas with already strained supplies. This crisis could deepen existing vulnerabilities and threaten the well-being of many people without decisive action.
The damage extends beyond Aman rice. The delay in harvesting Aman is expected to disrupt the planting plan for Boro rice, which contributes the largest portion—55 percent—of the country’s yearly rice yield. This compounded setback could exaggerate food shortages, particularly in urban regions such as Dhaka and Chattogram. Previously self-sufficient areas, with Mymensingh and Netrokona, have also experienced substantial losses, further straining the country’s food system. With international organisations like the World Food Programme (WFP) reporting that over 30 percent of Bangladeshis already struggle to afford adequate food, the urgency of addressing this crisis cannot be overstated.
In response, the government has announced several initiatives to diminish losses. The Ministry of Food’s procurement programme, which will purchase 10 lakh metric tonnes of food grains from marginal farmers at fixed prices, aims to stabilise the market and support local farmers. Furthermore, the authorities concerned are working to offset domestic shortages and curb price spikes by lifting import duties on rice.
The
authorities concerned, farmers and local
communities must work together to ensure
a durable, affordable food supply
for all people
However, for the intervention to be effective, they must address existing issues in the procurement system. Farmers often face manipulation by middlemen and brokers who drive down prices, forcing them to sell below production costs. Authorities concerned must impose fair pricing at procurement hubs and introduce stricter guidelines to avert interference by brokers to ensure that government-set prices reach farmers. Supporting farmers economically is essential to sustaining production and meeting countrywide demand.
In addition to immediate relief, the country must adopt long-term strategies to reinforce its agricultural resilience against climate-induced shock. Collaborating with research institutions such as the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) to grow and distribute flood-tolerant rice varieties could protect future harvests. Investing in fresh irrigation and drainage arrangement systems would also help manage volatile weather, ensuring crops are less vulnerable to flood and drought.
Endorsing crop diversification is another significant step. Rising Aush rice yielding, along with other food grains, would lessen the country’s dependence on Aman and Boro seasons, making the food supply more robust year-round. Expanding programmes that offer farmers seeds, equipment and training for diversified cropping may considerably improve countrywide food security.
The existing crisis emphasises the critical need for an inclusive approach to food security. Although immediate steps such as lifting import duties and implementing fair procurement are necessary to alleviate the current shortfall, Bangladesh must prioritise sustainable agricultural practices and climate resilience. This multi-layered response is crucial to protect the livelihood of people and secure the country’s food future.
Decisive action now will address the current rice shortage and build a more resilient agricultural sector for the years ahead. The authorities concerned, farmers and local communities must work together to ensure a durable, affordable food supply for all people.
