A daylong workshop titled "Transforming Bangladesh Agriculture: Outlook 2050" was held at the PTI conference hall in Rajshahi. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 30, 2025 (BSS) - Experts at a regional workshop today stressed that integrated and technology-driven initiatives are crucial to transforming Bangladesh's agriculture into a sustainable and resilient system by 2050.

They said the country must adopt climate-smart agriculture (CSA), mechanization, efficient water use, advanced research and stronger farmer organizations to ensure food security amid shrinking land, labor shortages and climate variability.

The daylong workshop titled "Transforming Bangladesh Agriculture: Outlook 2050" was held at the Primary Teachers Institute conference hall here, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture under the Technical Assistance for Repurposing of Agriculture Public Support Towards a Sustainable Food System Transformation in Bangladesh Project.

Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, attending as chief guest, said the government is finalizing an ambitious long-term plan to modernize agriculture and ensure safe, nutritious food for all by 2050. The plan is expected to be completed by December this year.

"The government is committed to making agriculture scientific and technology-driven. All services under the Ministry of Agriculture and its line agencies are being integrated into a single Management Information System (MIS)," Dr Mian said.

He also introduced the newly launched 'Khamari' mobile application, which brings every land mouza under a centralized database. The app provides comprehensive information on fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, irrigation, crop diversification, weather updates, and disease outbreaks.

The secretary added that long-term measures are underway to transform educated women and youth into agricultural entrepreneurs, alongside enhancing the private sector's role in agribusiness.

With Additional Secretary Dr Mahmudur Rahman in the chair, the event was also addressed by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Khondoker Azim Ahmed and Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter.

Presenting a keynote, Dr Mahmudur Rahman illustrated future agricultural transformation strategies, while Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council Director Hasan Hamidur Rahman highlighted plans to expand 'Khamari' into a comprehensive one-stop agricultural services platform.

The workshop emphasized that a holistic approach, integrating land and water management, climate adaptation, technological innovation, and supportive policies will be key to sustaining Bangladesh's food system by mid-century.

Dr Azizur Rahman, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, presented the current agricultural scenario of the Rajshahi region. 

He noted that crop yields, especially rice, remain satisfactory this year. To reduce post-harvest losses of vegetables, potatoes, and onions, the government is setting up modern cold storage and preservation facilities.

More than 130 participants, including scientists, officials from 17 government organizations, farmers, and NGO representatives, joined the workshop.

Discussions covered pressing issues such as the Barind region's water crisis, soil health, food safety, agro-ecological planning, Padma river water use for irrigation, fruit processing, fertilizer management, and agricultural labor shortages.

Rajshahi University Professors Mustafizur Rahman and Mijanur Rahman, along with FAO expert Dr Azizur Rahman, also shared their expertise at the event.