Afifa Jahan Pushpo

Agriculture is the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, with a large portion of the population directly or indirectly dependent on it. Despite being an agricultural country, there is a growing reluctance among young people to engage in farming. One of the key reasons for this is the high level of uncertainty and losses in the sector, even with advancements in modern technology. Many agricultural tasks are still performed manually, leading to high labor costs. To address this issue, mechanization is essential. The use of modern technology can make agriculture more profitable, yet Bangladesh remains behind in agricultural mechanization. Mechanization not only increases food production but also plays a significant role in economic growth.

Mechanization: A Necessity of the Time

In developed countries, agriculture is fully mechanized, resulting in lower production costs and higher productivity. Bangladesh has also seen positive impacts from agricultural mechanization. The introduction of tractors and improved irrigation systems in the 1960s and 1970s increased agricultural output and helped reduce food shortages. Recognizing the importance of mechanization, the government established the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) in 1973 to facilitate the import and distribution of agricultural machinery. By 2018, mechanization levels reached 1.82 hectares per machine, but this is still significantly lower than in developed countries. In recent years, modern technology has been increasingly adopted, particularly in key agricultural regions.

However, several challenges have slowed the progress of agricultural mechanization in Bangladesh:
Lack of Skilled Workforce: There is a shortage of trained personnel to operate modern agricultural machinery.
Limited Technological Development: The country lacks sufficient facilities for manufacturing advanced agricultural machinery.
Insufficient Research: Investment in agricultural technology research is inadequate.
High Costs and Maintenance Issues: Many farmers cannot afford modern machinery, and repair facilities are limited. As a result, they rely on expensive imported equipment, reducing their overall profitability. Although the government occasionally reduces import duties on agricultural machinery, long-term sustainability depends on boosting domestic production.

Steps to Promote Agricultural Mechanization

To advance mechanization, collaboration between the government, farmers, and entrepreneurs is essential. The following measures could help:

Enhancing Domestic Production: Increasing investment in local agricultural machinery manufacturing to reduce dependence on imports.

Expanding Training Programs: Developing skilled workers through training programs for the operation and maintenance of modern equipment.

Strengthening Research Efforts: Encouraging both public and private investment in agricultural technology research.

Providing Incentives for Farmers: Offering affordable financing options or installment plans for purchasing advanced machinery.

Engaging Youth in Agriculture: Making farming a more profitable profession through technology-driven innovations to attract younger generations.

The future of agriculture in Bangladesh depends on the successful implementation of mechanization. Proper utilization of modern technology will lower production costs, save time, and increase farmers' profits. Additionally, it will create new employment opportunities and further strengthen the economy. If immediate action is not taken, the sector may face long-term negative consequences. Therefore, prioritizing agricultural mechanization is crucial for sustainable development and global competitiveness.

The writer is a student of Department of Television, Film and Photography, University of Dhaka.