Agriculture has long been the mainstay of people's economic and social life in Bangladesh and the entire world. Through agriculture, we advance food security, state services, and economic development. However, even today, some important turning points and crises occur in the agricultural sector. Then the question arises - "Reform in agriculture or reform of farmers??"

 

With the advancement of science in today's world, the use of modern technology in agriculture is also increasing rapidly. However, in many cases, there is a lack of sufficient knowledge and interest in this technology among farmers. Due to the lack of proper information about new types of cultivation techniques, improved seeds, irrigation technology and fertilizer management, productivity decreases if the traditional method is continued. For example, the concepts of digital agriculture and smart farming are still unfamiliar to farmers in many traditional areas. Failure to take advantage of modern technology weakens the productivity and competitive position of farmers. Lack of market management and weak economic policies are causing many problems in the agricultural sector. After production, in many cases, farmers get very low prices for their paddy in the marketing of agricultural products. Inappropriate pricing by intermediaries, price reduction due to excess supply in the market, and government policies often do not work in favor of farmers. As a result, the assurance of uninterrupted income of farmers becomes irregular and uncertain. Continuous income uncertainty and market volatility have a negative impact on the consciousness of farmers, which indicates the need for an effective reform. Bangladesh is a country prone to natural disasters. Floods, cyclones, droughts and other disasters disrupt agricultural activities. In addition, seasonal irregularities and unpredictable weather conditions due to climate change have become additional challenges for farmers. Without adequate management or technical support to cope with these disasters and changes, both agricultural production and farmers' livelihoods are at serious risk. This problem can be solved through disaster management and support structure reforms, but before that, it is also essential for farmers to acquire modern disaster management skills. According to experts, one of the main problems in the agricultural sector is the lack of adequate educational and training opportunities for farmers. Due to the lack of proper training in modern agricultural techniques, accurate market analysis, financial and technical management, farmers often resort to inefficient or conventional methods. Lack of awareness and modernity in agriculture not only affects production, but also affects the self-esteem, mentality and innovative thinking of farmers. Proper educational and information technology training will help build confidence and entrepreneurial spirit among farmers.

 

By “reform in agriculture” we mean the effort to change technological developments, modern methods and control systems. And by “reform of farmers” we mean changes in the mentality, education, behavior, and social and economic outlook of farmers. There is a need for reform in both directions, but which one is more important depends on the severity of the situation and the root cause of the problem.

Adoption of advanced agricultural technologies: In new-age agriculture, computerized irrigation, crop monitoring through drones, advanced processing technology and automation systems are very important. For example, agricultural mechanization and timely irrigation will help in producing improved crops. This will reduce the physical labor of the farmer and increase the amount of production. Smart agricultural policies: The government and policy makers should formulate policies to support farmers that encourage new technologies and provide appropriate insurance and financial support to reduce the risks of farmers. In addition, to accelerate research and development in the agricultural sector, good relations should be established between universities, research institutions and the private sector. Use of digital platforms and information technology: Creating online marketplaces for farmers, where they can directly communicate with buyers and reduce the need to be behind intermediaries. In addition, if agricultural information, weather forecasts and commercial analysis are easily available, farmers' decision-making will be faster and more accurate. If the government and IT sector institutions work together for the needs of Digital Bangla, there will be positive changes in the agricultural sector. Expansion of education and training: It is very important to conduct regular training and seminars for farmers to adapt to the continuous changes in modern agriculture. This training can teach modern farming techniques, market analysis, financial management, and the use of digital technology. Launching training programs in collaboration with various government and private organizations will increase the confidence of farmers and increase their interest in adopting new technologies. Change in mentality and innovative thinking: In many cases, it is seen that old habits and traditional thinking create obstacles in the adoption of new ideas among farmers. If innovative thinking, entrepreneurial attitude and tolerance for change are not developed among farmers, then technological change and modernization efforts will not be fruitful. Society and government must work together to develop new perspectives in the minds of farmers, so that they are brave enough to take risks and show open-minded acceptance of new ideas. Economic awareness and investment propensity: It is very necessary to increase thrift and investment propensity among farmers. Proper investment in agriculture, such as improved machinery, use of new technologies, and investment in post-harvest processing, will increase productivity in the long run. Various microfinance and support schemes can be introduced to support this economic education of farmers, so that they are encouraged to adopt new methods.

 

Need for Reform: Agricultural Work vs. Peasant Reform

There is a need for reform in both directions – reform in agriculture and reform of farmers. But before we can judge which of these is more important, it is important for us to understand the interrelationship between the two.

The importance of reforms in agricultural work

Technological advancement and modernization: The importance of technology in agriculture around the world is increasing day by day. Productivity can be increased by monitoring crop conditions through automatic machines, drones, and sensor technology, and by applying irrigation and fertilizers at the right time. Without the introduction of this technology, the agricultural sector will fail to keep pace with the modern world. Extreme improvement in the agricultural sector is possible if there is proper coordination between the government's initiatives and the private sector in exploring and applying innovative technologies. Competition in the international market: Competition in the international market is increasing in the era of globalization. The lack of modern technology and advanced methods in the agricultural sector is holding farmers back in the international market. On the one hand, while developed countries are ensuring productivity through advanced technology and proper management, if our agricultural sector is not dynamic, it can have a negative impact on the country's economic development. Long-term sustainable development: Sustainable agricultural development is not only possible with the introduction of new technology, but it also involves maintaining balance in environmental, social, and economic aspects. Environmentally friendly cultivation and proper resource management can be ensured through the application of technology and modern management. In this case, it is essential to create a proper roadmap in the agricultural sector through administrative and policy reforms.

The importance of peasant reforms

Change in mentality and attitude: In many cases, farmers are trapped in traditional habits, traditional thinking and fear of taking risks. In order to increase the acceptance of new technologies and modern methods, it is necessary to develop a strong attitude of change among farmers. This will make them interested in adopting new methods instead of traditional methods. This change can be brought about with the combined efforts of society, government and the education system. Correct information and interest in investment: It is important to arouse interest in modern agricultural techniques and technology among farmers. Correct information, training and technical assistance will awaken their entrepreneurial spirit. If the tendency to invest increases among farmers, they will be able to easily adopt technology and increase their productivity. This will enable the overall development of the agricultural sector. Social and cultural change: Sometimes it is seen that due to the social and cultural structure of the village, there is reluctance towards innovation and lack of a friendly environment among farmers. The will to change can be increased among farmers by spreading modern thinking and providing inspiring examples of the new era. Other farmers will also be inspired by the example of those who can become symbols of positive change in society and will begin to adapt their thinking to modernity.

 

Efforts and progress in terms of reform

Currently, various government, private, and international organizations are pursuing reforms in the agricultural sector. Some examples are mentioned below:

1. Training and Workshops: In many regions, the government and non-governmental organizations are organizing regular training workshops and seminars for farmers. These include topics related to modern farming, use of digital technology, market analysis and financial management. Through training programs, farmers gain awareness about new technologies and concepts, which help them increase their productivity and income.

2. Technical assistance and investment: Efforts are being made to provide modern technology to farmers through various government projects. The agriculture sector has been made more technology-based through new machines, improved seeds, irrigation systems and digital agriculture platforms. Such investments create interest in adopting technology among farmers and also strengthen their financial condition by increasing productivity. 3. Market simplification and direct sales: Sometimes, initiatives have been taken to reduce the dependence on intermediaries among farmers and sell directly to the market. By launching digital marketplaces and direct sales platforms, farmers are able to get more value for their produce. In this way, the financial condition of farmers is improving and their ability to cope with market fluctuations is increasing. 4. Role of information technology: Currently, many information-rich platforms have been created for farmers through mobile apps and websites. On these platforms, they can get weather forecasts, new technologies, budget planning and various advice related to agriculture. Improved management of information technology helps farmers to make quick decisions and creates a simple and effective system for them.

Relationship between the two aspects of change: Along with government policies and technological modernization, the importance of changing the mindset and outlook of farmers themselves is essential. Without technology and modern systems, the mental and cultural change of farmers is incomplete. These two aspects of change complement each other.

Analyzing aspects of interrelationships

Training and Education: In addition to teaching the use of modern technology, there is a great need for education among farmers to create a change mindset. If modern farming works together with a change in mental and cultural outlook, innovative thinking and proper management will develop among farmers. Acceptance of new methods: If the mentality of farmers is developed along with technological progress, they will be able to easily adopt new methods. For example, the impact of social and cultural changes is clearly visible among farmers who are attracted to new technology and digital tools. Therefore, along with technological development, mental reform should also be given equal importance. Economic and social cohesion: As the income of farmers increases, their social status will improve. Economic development has a positive impact on the mentality of farmers and with the right investment, they become more self-reliant. In this way, overall improvement in the agricultural sector is possible by maintaining harmony between economic and social reforms.

 

Assessment of the current situation and challenges: At present, it is seen that technological modernization is being implemented almost successfully in some developed regions in agriculture, but there is not yet enough enthusiasm and attitude of change among the farmers for favorable changes. Technological research and investment in the development of the agricultural sector is increasing, but in many cases the full potential of that technology is not being utilized due to low literacy and lack of training of the farmers. The old mentality and fear of taking risks among the farmers are acting as a major obstacle.

Next steps and policies

Formulation of new policies: The government should formulate policies for farmer support and technological modernization, which will directly benefit the farmers. In simple terms, along with developing technological infrastructure, farmers should be re-educated and made innovative. Local and international cooperation: New investments and technical assistance can be ensured in the agricultural sector through cooperation between local administrations and international organizations. Learning from the agricultural models and successful examples of developed countries, we need to take a well-organized approach to modernize our agricultural sector. Improvement of micro-enterprise initiatives: It is often seen that if proper support is not provided to the development of small agricultural enterprises and local production sectors, the traditional agricultural system gradually decays. Ensuring microfinance, training and technical assistance for small entrepreneurs will help bring about positive changes. Long-term planning: Reforms in the agricultural sector are a long-term process. Although it is not possible to solve the entire problem at once, an attempt should be made to get to the root of the problem through continuous steps and periodic evaluation. In this changing process, working in coordination with the government, social organizations, universities, and the private sector will not only increase the productivity of the agricultural sector, but will also lead to the social and mental development of farmers.

Possible future directions

Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Protection: In addition to increasing productivity through technological modernization, it is necessary to develop environmentally friendly farming and sustainable agricultural processes. This will strengthen the relationship between nature and farmers and ensure food security for the next generation. The use of advanced environmentally friendly technologies will awaken more innovative thinking among farmers. Digital Rural Development: The new generation in rural areas should be inspired by the concept of modern agriculture through the spread of digital technology. Technological knowledge can be spread among farmers through social media, mobile apps and e-learning platforms. These platforms will help farmers in making quick decisions and adopting new ideas. Holistic Coordination: Technology alone or a change in the mindset of farmers is not enough for reforms in the agricultural sector. An integrated, holistic approach is needed, where government policies, the education system, technology, and the local community work together. Working together, innovative technologies and transformative thinking will provide a new dimension to the agricultural sector.

 

“Agricultural reform or farmers’ reform??” The question does not only indicate a two-way discussion, but also contains a closely interrelated real challenge. In the context of modern technological advancement, market demand, environmental and social changes, on the one hand, sustainable development efforts are underway in the agricultural sector, while on the other hand, traditional mentality and reluctance among farmers are standing as obstacles. Merely bringing technological reform, advanced transformation or modern management to agricultural work will not work. It is definitely necessary to create innovative thinking, risk-taking mentality and a positive attitude towards change among farmers. If the two-way changes in the agricultural sector are combined through information technology, training workshops, policy formulation and investment, creative and sustainable development will be possible.

For sustainable and sustainable development, the government, non-governmental organizations and social institutions need to work together. A coherent process of financial support, technical training and social and cultural change for farmers needs to be developed. If new technologies and skills can be channeled into the agricultural sector through this coordinated effort, the financial security, social status and personal confidence of farmers will increase. Reform in the agricultural sector is not a single process, but an ongoing process that requires time, constant pursuit and interrelated changes. If farmers could accept the challenges of the new era and change their mindset and working methods in line with technology, the agricultural sector would not only ensure our food security, but would also play a significant role in the overall economic and social development of the country.