Pragga Das

For centuries, fish and rice have been the staple food of the Bangladeshi people, deeply rooted in the country’s culture and dietary habits. However, preserving this tradition has become increasingly challenging due to various factors. Pollution in rivers and waterbodies, climate change, overfishing, and the shrinking of agricultural land have all contributed to the declining production and availability of fish and rice.

Additionally, market manipulation by unscrupulous traders has driven up the prices of these essential commodities, making them unaffordable for the average person.Market observations reveal that despite being the peak season for rice harvest, the government is still importing rice to stabilize the market. Even so, rice prices remain volatile. The same goes for fish, which has also seen a sharp rise in prices. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh has approximately 8.8 million hectares of arable land. Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) indicates that the country produced about 40.6 million metric tons of rice in the fiscal year 2023-24, which should be sufficient to meet national demand.

Despite this, rice imports continue, yet prices remain excessively high.Bangladesh, known as a riverine country, is also endowed with vast maritime resources. Following the 2012 and 2014 international court rulings resolving maritime boundary disputes with Myanmar and India, Bangladesh now possesses over 118,813 square kilometers of maritime territory. This includes a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and sovereign rights over marine resources up to 354 nautical miles from the Chattogram coast.

The country harvests approximately 700,000 to 800,000 metric tons of fish annually from the sea. Researchers at the Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD) estimate that with advanced technology and skilled fishers, the nation could potentially harvest up to 8 million metric tons of fish.According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock's 2023-24 report, the total fish production from all waterbodies, including marine sources, was 2.2 million metric tons, playing a crucial role in meeting the nation’s protein needs. However, studies from the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) indicate that despite ongoing research and development efforts, the production of fish from natural sources is declining. Pollution from industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, and plastic waste is degrading the ecosystem of rivers and waterbodies, threatening aquatic life.

The Department of Environment reports that water quality in major rivers is deteriorating, posing significant risks to fish populations.Overfishing, particularly the capture of juvenile fish, has put many native and marine fish species at risk of extinction. A study by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute found that 26 species of fish are currently endangered. Meanwhile, urbanization and industrialization have led to a reduction in agricultural land and waterbodies, negatively impacting rice and fish production. Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics shows that in the past decade, agricultural land has decreased by 1.2%. Inflation and supply chain disruptions have further driven up the prices of fish and rice, putting them out of reach for many.

According to Bangladesh Bank, food inflation stood at 6.5% in 2024, exacerbating the crisis.Adding to these challenges is the unchecked influence of market syndicates. Despite sufficient stockpiles of rice and fish, certain dishonest traders artificially create shortages to drive up prices. Some even deliberately reduce rice imports to manipulate market demand. These practices have made life increasingly difficult for working-class citizens.To overcome this crisis, immediate action is required. Strict policies must be implemented to regulate the conversion of agricultural land for urban and industrial use. The use of improved seeds, irrigation systems, and modern agricultural technologies must be promoted.

Climate-resilient crops and eco-friendly farming methods should be prioritized to enhance production while preserving the environment.In fisheries, establishing sanctuaries and enforcing seasonal fishing bans during breeding periods is crucial. The Department of Fisheries should introduce size and weight regulations for harvested fish to prevent the excessive capture of juvenile fish, ensuring sustainable stock replenishment. Strict enforcement of industrial and agricultural waste management laws, along with increased public awareness, is essential. Strengthening research initiatives for fish conservation and the development of new species should also be prioritized.

The adoption of advanced aquaculture techniques can boost fish production within a shorter time frame.Most importantly, the supply chain for fish and rice must be improved to curb the influence of middlemen and syndicates. Government monitoring needs to be intensified to ensure market stability. Public awareness campaigns should highlight the importance of preserving fish breeding seasons, restricting the capture of juvenile fish, and protecting the environment.Future generations must be educated on these issues.

Introducing environmental and fisheries conservation topics into school curriculums will help create responsible citizens who contribute to sustainable national development. A well-planned agricultural and fisheries policy, combined with modern technology and effective market management, is the key to securing Bangladesh’s food future.To uphold Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and maintain stability in people’s lives, a collective effort from the government, the public, and the younger generation is essential. Increasing production in the agriculture and fisheries sectors while ensuring market regulation is the only way forward.

The writer is a, Student, Department of Economics Eden Mohila College