Rice production in Bangladesh commands vast economic significance across multiple sectors and socioeconomic factors. Rice is Bangladesh's primary crop and staple food, dominating agricultural production, employment, nutritional intake, and contributing substantially to national income. Bangladesh ranks as the third-largest producer of rice globally, reaching about 39.1 million tonnes in 2023.
Rice is cultivated in three seasons in Bangladesh: aman, aus, and boro. Boro is the leading paddy production crop, heavily reliant on irrigation and fertilisers, followed by aman and aus. Limited mechanisation and climate change hamper the productivity of rice production compared to neighbouring countries. However, the government has been undertaking efforts to increase productivity by developing new high-yielding rice varieties.
Domesticated rice cultivation in the Bengal region traces back approximately 4,000 years. Through a process of "artificial selection," ancient farmers developed numerous rice landraces, finely tuned to local environmental conditions. Most of these varieties, classified as Indica group ( O. sativa ), were cultivated in eastern India and Bangladesh. Additionally, a smaller quantity of Japonica rice was grown, particularly in deep-water regions. While the precise count of rice varieties before the Green Revolution remains uncertain, it's estimated that around 15,000 folk landraces thrived in Bengal during the 1940s. [1]
The Green Revolution of the 1960s was a pivotal era for Bangladesh's agriculture, significantly enhancing rice production using high-yield varieties. This period was marked by a notable increase in rice output. In the following decade, the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) was established, releasing its first variety, BR1, and laying the groundwork for future advancements in rice breeding. [2] Later, it introduced a high-yielding rice variety known as BR3, which quickly proliferated nationwide, becoming the staple crop across all three cropping seasons of Aus, Aman, and Boro, hence earning the moniker "BR-revolution." Subsequent iterations of rice varieties replaced earlier ones in the following decades, with more than 7,000 traditional rice varieties being replaced by modern, high-yielding counterparts, leading to significant improvements in rice production nationwide. [3] [1] Presently, data suggests that just over 700 rice varieties are actively cultivated in Bangladesh. [1]
Bangladesh's rice production demonstrated a generally increasing trajectory during the 1980s, with the exception of fiscal year 1981. However, the yearly production increases were modest, barely keeping pace with population growth. A milestone was achieved in fiscal year 1986 when rice output surpassed 15 million tonnes for the first time. Despite being the fourth largest global rice producer in the mid-1980s, Bangladesh's rice productivity was low compared to other Asian countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, during that period. [4]
By the end of the 20th century, the BRRI had expanded its repertoire to include varieties tailored to the nation's distinct rice-growing seasons, particularly Aman and Boro, further solidifying rice's status in the agricultural sector. From 2001 onwards, the BRRI's extensive trials across various locations have been instrumental in gauging both genetic improvements and environmental influences on rice yields. By 2020, the integration of both traditional and modern rice varieties had led to rice becoming the preeminent crop, dominating a substantial portion of Bangladesh's agricultural landscape. [2] Around the same time, researchers at the BRRI have achieved early success in developing some of the country's first gene-edited rice lines. These lines are anticipated to exhibit effective resistance against diseases such as blast disease, insect pests like the brown planthopper (BPH), and abiotic stresses resulting from high soil salinity. The development of these gene-edited rice varieties represents a biotechnological advancement aimed at enhancing the resilience and productivity of rice cultivation in Bangladesh. [5] Facing the ongoing challenges of climate change, urbanisation, and a burgeoning population, Bangladesh continues to prioritize the advancement of rice breeding to maintain food security and agricultural sustainability. [2]
In the fiscal year 2009–10, Bangladesh commenced exporting aromatic rice, with shipments amounting to 663 tonnes. Over subsequent years, the volume of exports increased significantly, reaching 10,879 tonnes in fiscal year 2019–20. [6]
Efforts were made in 2012 to commence the export of non-aromatic rice due to surplus, but failed as the rice was deemed unfit for export. Later, in 2014, Bangladesh initiated the export of 50,000 tonnes of non-fragrant coarse rice to Sri Lanka for the first time under a government-to-government deal, priced at $450 per tonne, driven by strong output and ample government stocks. However, due to significant rice imports in that and the preceding year, further export initiatives were not pursued. [7] [8]
In 2022, the government imposed restrictions on rice exports, including various varieties of aromatic rice, due to concerns about the country's food situation. [6]
Rice is synonymous with food security in Bangladesh, serving as the primary crop and the main staple food for its population. It accounts for 97 percent of total food grain production and is crucial for the nation's nutrition, providing around 60 percent of total calories and 50 percent of protein intake for adults. [9] [10]
The crop's significance extends beyond nutrition, as nearly 48 percent of rural workers are involved in rice production, contributing approximately 16 percent to the overall gross domestic product (GDP) of the country and about 70 percent to agricultural GDP. Its significance in the economy is immense, both at the macro and micro levels, considering factors such as production volume, employment, trade, processing, food security, and nutrition. Additionally, its substantial weight in the consumer price index (CPI) can have significant effects on prices, inflation, and poverty. [9] [10]
Rice cultivation occupies about 76 percent of the total cropped area, spanning approximately 10,500,000 hectares (105,000 km2) of land over 13 million farms. This illustrates rice's central role in Bangladesh's economy, agriculture, and food security. [9] [10]
As of 2023, Bangladesh ranks as the third-largest producer of rice globally, trailing behind China and India. [11] According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, rice production in Bangladesh reached about 39.1 million tonnes in the fiscal year 2022–23 (FY23), [12] while rice imports were around 1.05 million tonnes, a notable decline from 2.65 million tonnes in 2021. [11] [13]
There are two rainy season rice crops, called Aman and Aus, and one dry-season crop called Boro. [10]
Aman (Bengali : আমন) paddy is the second-largest cereal crop cultivated in Bangladesh, following Boro paddy. It is typically planted between July and August and harvested between November and December. Aman paddy relies entirely on rainfall and covers the largest acreage among rice crops. [14]
Aman paddy is primarily grown in two ways. Some Aman rice is sown in spring using the broadcast method (Bengali: বোনা আমন, romanized: bona aman, lit. 'broadcast Aman'), maturing during the summer rains and being harvested in autumn. Another, more productive method involves starting the seeds in special beds and transplanting them during the summer monsoon season (Bengali: রোপা আমন, romanized: ropa aman, lit. 'transplanted Aman'). [4] [15] Broadcast Aman rice is predominantly grown in the southern and southeastern regions of the country. [16]
The second harvest, known as Aus or Aush (Bengali: আউশ), typically involves traditional strains of rice but increasingly includes high-yielding, dwarf varieties. Rice for the Aus harvest is sown in March or April, benefiting from the April and May rains, maturing during the summer rainfall, and being harvested during the summer season. [4]
With the increasing use of irrigation, there has been a growing emphasis on another rice-growing season extending into the dry season. [4] This season, known as Boro (Bengali: বোরো), involves planting rice from mid-November to February and harvesting it from April to June. There are three types of Boro rice: Local Boro, High Yielding Variety (HYV) Boro, and Hybrid Boro. Currently, Boro rice is the leading paddy production crop. The cost of producing HYV Boro rice is relatively high due to the intensive use of expensive inputs such as irrigation and fertiliser. However, following the green revolution, it has gained significance due to its higher yields. [17]
Annual rice production in Bangladesh suffers significant losses, ranging from 4 percent to 14 percent, due to various insect pests. Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and ufra (caused by nematode D. angustus ), [18] have emerged as severe diseases affecting rice crops. However, the availability of technologies conferring resistance against these pests and diseases remains severely limited. [19]
In 2021, Bangladesh faced soaring rice prices despite abundant production and increased imports. However, prices remained high as some major market players hoarded rice, driving up prices. This situation particularly impacted farmers and the working class. In response, the government imported 1.35 million tonnes of rice in the 2020–21 financial year at reduced tariffs to stabilize prices. Unfortunately, this strategy has yet to effectively lower retail prices due to ongoing market distortions. [20]
Bangladesh continues to import rice through public and private enterprises despite having a significant surplus, even when accounting for non-human consumption factors such as livestock feed, seed, milling loss, warehouse damages, and pre- and post-harvest losses. Experts attribute this issue to the lack of reliable data, criticizing government agencies for inconsistencies. This discrepancy has created a gap between actual demand and supply, often exploited by actors within the supply chain. [21]
Research indicates that in 2018, Bangladesh was ranked 7th among the top 20 rice-producing countries in terms of methane (CH4) emissions from rice cultivation. [9] In the context of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from rice cultivation, Bangladesh was ranked 6th among the top 20 rice-producing countries, with total GHG emissions measured at 9903.03 kg CO2 equivalent per hectare. This ranking specifically pertains to the overall GHG emissions, which include not only methane (CH4) but potentially other gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O) from fertiliser use and carbon dioxide (CO2) from various agricultural practices. [9]
The delayed onset of monsoon rains and occasional heatwaves during the Aus season in certain years exacerbate productivity losses further. Reports indicate that farmers' profits from rice cultivation are dwindling due to rising input costs, including seeds, fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides. Additionally, the high cost of labour and increased supplemental irrigation use due to delayed rainfall contribute to the challenges faced by farmers. [22]
Experts point out that while Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in rice production, there remains a considerable gap in productivity, with the growth rate stagnating at around 1%, compared to higher rates in neighbouring countries. Climate change poses a significant challenge, leading to large swaths of arable land remaining uncultivated. Scientists say that the agriculture sector must embark on a transformation, involving the mechanisation of the rice production process. [23] The absence of domestically manufactured high-quality agricultural machinery poses a notable obstacle in the agricultural sector. This challenge is particularly evident in the limitations faced in fully producing larger machines such as threshers, planters, and combine harvesters. Furthermore, access to financial opportunities for farmers adds to the complexity of addressing these limitations. [24]
Future challenges facing the agriculture sector include increased humidity causing new diseases, changing climate patterns with decreased rainfall and prolonged winters, rising temperatures, higher sea levels, and growing salinity, all contributing to the productivity lag. [23]
Rice is a cereal grain and in its domesticated form is the staple food of over half of the world's population, particularly in Asia and Africa. Rice is the seed of the grass species Oryza sativa —or, much less commonly, Oryza glaberrima. Asian rice was domesticated in China some 13,500 to 8,200 years ago; African rice was domesticated in Africa about 3,000 years ago. Rice has become commonplace in many cultures worldwide; in 2021, 787 million tons were produced, placing it fourth after sugarcane, maize, and wheat. Only some 8% of rice is traded internationally. China, India, and Indonesia are the largest consumers of rice. A substantial amount of the rice produced in developing nations is lost after harvest through factors such as poor transport and storage. Rice yields can be reduced by pests including insects, rodents, and birds, as well as by weeds, and by diseases such as rice blast. Traditional rice polycultures such as rice-duck farming, and modern integrated pest management seek to control damage from pests in a sustainable way.
Agriculture in Thailand is highly competitive, diversified and specialized and its exports are very successful internationally. Rice is the country's most important crop, with some 60 percent of Thailand's 13 million farmers growing it on almost half of Thailand's cultivated land. Thailand is a major exporter in the world rice market. Rice exports in 2014 amounted to 1.3 percent of GDP. Agricultural production as a whole accounts for an estimated 9–10.5 percent of Thai GDP. Forty percent of the population work in agriculture-related jobs. The farmland they work was valued at US$2,945/rai in 2013. Most Thai farmers own fewer than eight ha (50 rai) of land.
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute is an agricultural research institute in Bangladesh, headquartered in Gazipur. The organisation focuses on researching and developing methods to improve the production of rice.
Nicaragua produces coffee, cotton, bananas, sugar and beef cattle.
The primary form of agriculture in Sri Lanka is rice production. Rice is cultivated during Maha and Yala seasons. Tea is cultivated in the central highlands and is a major source of foreign exchange. Vegetables, fruits and oilseed crops are also cultivated in the country. There are two Agriculture Parks abbreviated as A. Parks established by the Department of Agriculture. Out of the total population in Sri Lanka, 27.1% engages in agricultural activities. Agriculture accounted for 7.4% of the GDP in 2020.
Agriculture is the largest employment sector in Bangladesh, making up 14.2 percent of Bangladesh's GDP in 2017 and employing about 42.7 percent of the workforce. The performance of this sector has an overwhelming impact on major macroeconomic objectives like employment generation, poverty alleviation, human resources development, food security, and other economic and social forces. A plurality of Bangladeshis earn their living from agriculture. Due to a number of factors, Bangladesh's labour-intensive agriculture has achieved steady increases in food grain production despite the often unfavorable weather conditions. These include better flood control and irrigation, a generally more efficient use of fertilisers, as well as the establishment of better distribution and rural credit networks.
Agriculture in Ghana consists of a variety of agricultural products and is an established economic sector, providing employment on a formal and informal basis. It is represented by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Ghana produces a variety of crops in various climatic zones which range from dry savanna to wet forest which run in east–west bands across Ghana. Agricultural crops, including yams, grains, cocoa, oil palms, kola nuts, and timber, form the base of agriculture in Ghana's economy. In 2013 agriculture employed 53.6% of the total labor force in Ghana.
Agriculture employs the majority of Madagascar's population. Mainly involving smallholders, agriculture has seen different levels of state organisation, shifting from state control to a liberalized sector.
The southeast Asian country of Laos, with a landmass of 23.68 million hectares, has at least 5 million hectares of land suitable for cultivation. Seventeen percent of this land area is actually cultivated, less than 4 percent of the total area.
Rice production in Guyana is an important foodstuff of domestic consumption and one of Guyana's major export commodities.
Rice production in Thailand represents a significant portion of the Thai economy and labor force. In 2017, the value of all Thai rice traded was 174.5 billion baht, about 12.9% of all farm production. Of the 40% of Thais who work in agriculture, 16 million of them are rice farmers by one estimate.
Rice production in Indonesia is an important part of the national economy. Indonesia is the third-largest producer of rice in the world.
Rice production in China is the amount of rice planted, grown, and harvested for consumption in the mainland of China.
Rice production in Laos is important to the national economy and food supply.
Rice production in South Korea is important for the food supply in the country, with rice being a common part of the Korean diet. In 2009, South Korea produced 3,899,036 metric tonnes of rice.
Rice is the most valuable crop in South Korea. However, as noted by Donald S. Macdonald, rising wage levels and land values have made it expensive to produce. Rice represented about 90 percent of total grain production and over 40 percent of farm income; the 1988 rice crop was 6.5 million tonnes. Rice was imported in the 1980s, but the amount depended on the success of domestic harvests. The government's rice support program reached a record of US$1.9 billion in 1986 compared to $890 million in 1985. By raising procurement prices by 14 percent to the 1986 level, Seoul achieved a rice price structure that was about five times that of the world market in 1987.
In the Philippines, rice production is an important aspect of the country's food supply and economy. The Philippines is the 8th-largest rice producer in the world, accounting for 2.8% of global rice production. The Philippines was also the world's largest rice importer in 2010. There are an estimated 2.4 million rice farmers in the Philippines as of 2020.
Pakistan holds a significant position in the global rice market and is one of the leading rice-producing countries. The rice sector is crucial for the country's economy, providing livelihoods to a substantial portion of the population and contributing substantially to agricultural exports.
Agriculture in Sierra Leone is a significant part of the economy of Sierra Leone, with it accounting for 58 percent national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2007. Two-thirds of the population of Sierra Leone are involved in subsistence agriculture.
Farming systems in India are strategically utilized, according to the locations where they are most suitable. The farming systems that significantly contribute to the agriculture of India are subsistence farming, organic farming, industrial farming. Regions throughout India differ in types of farming they use; some are based on horticulture, ley farming, agroforestry, and many more. Due to India's geographical location, certain parts experience different climates, thus affecting each region's agricultural productivity differently. India is very dependent on its monsoon cycle for large crop yields. India's agriculture has an extensive background which goes back to at least 9 thousand years. In India, in the alluvial plains of the Indus River in Pakistan, the old cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa experienced an apparent establishment of an organized farming urban culture. That society, known as the Harappan or Indus civilization, flourished until shortly after 4000 BP; it was much more comprehensive than those of Egypt or Babylonia and appeared earlier than analogous societies in northern China. Currently, the country holds the second position in agricultural production in the world. In 2007, agriculture and other industries made up more than 16% of India's GDP. Despite the steady decline in agriculture's contribution to the country's GDP, agriculture is the biggest industry in the country and plays a key role in the socio-economic growth of the country. India is the second-largest producer of wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, silk, groundnuts, and dozens more. It is also the second biggest harvester of vegetables and fruit, representing 8.6% and 10.9% of overall production, respectively. The major fruits produced by India are mangoes, papayas, sapota, and bananas. India also has the biggest number of livestock in the world, holding 281 million. In 2008, the country housed the second largest number of cattle in the world with 175 million.
Climate change is a critical issue in Bangladesh. as the country is one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. In the 2020 edition of Germanwatch's Climate Risk Index, it ranked seventh in the list of countries most affected by climate calamities during the period 1999–2018. Bangladesh's vulnerability to the effects of climate change is due to a combination of geographical factors, such as its flat, low-lying, and delta-exposed topography. and socio-economic factors, including its high population density, levels of poverty, and dependence on agriculture. The impacts and potential threats include sea level rise, temperature rise, food crisis, droughts, floods, and cyclones.