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Achieving self-sufficiency in seed industry is essential

Published : Thursday, 9 January, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 345
Saifullah Omar Nasif
Agriculture forms the backbone of the economy in Bangladesh supporting a vast majority of livelihoods. espite the country's fertile lands, reliable water sources, and the knowledge passed down through generations, Bangladesh relies heavily on imported seeds for high-yield and hybrid varieties of cereal crops, vegetables and so forth. This dependence not only exposes farmers to volatile market prices and fluctuating quality but also limits the resilience and sustainability of the agricultural system as a whole. Moving toward self-sufficiency in seed production isn't merely a financial goal; it's a strategic approach to enhance food security, empower farmers, and build a stronger agricultural sector.

Today, Bangladesh's seed industry is split between public institutions and private companies. Government agencies, such as the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), play a key role in seed production and distribution. Private companies including multinationals, also contribute significantly, bringing in high-yield and hybrid varieties. While these seeds help boost crop yields, they come at a high cost-especially for smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of agricultural producers in the country. Most hybrid seeds need to be repurchased each season, as they cannot be replanted, creating a recurring expense for farmers and eroding any chance for long-term cost savings.

Heavy reliance on foreign seeds also places Bangladesh's agriculture at the mercy of international supply chains. Disruptions from global events, such as trade restrictions, pandemics, or even climate issues affecting seed-producing countries, can quickly lead to shortages, price spikes, and potential food production crises. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these vulnerabilities when restrictions and supply chain disruptions led to difficulties for farmers worldwide. A domestic seed industry would mitigate these risks, providing farmers with a stable, locally controlled supply of seeds.

The push for self-sufficiency in seeds matters for several reasons, beginning with food security. By reducing dependence on imported seeds, Bangladesh can gain control over the essential building blocks of its food production. This reduces exposure to international market fluctuations and ensures a steady supply for crops like rice, wheat, and vegetables, which are vital to the national diet and economy. Further, a home-grown seed industry would keep money within the country, reduce import expenses, and encourage the development of a robust local agricultural economy. Job creation is another benefit; from research and development to seed production and distribution, the seed industry could provide new employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

Empowering farmers is another key advantage. Local production allows for seed varieties that suit the unique climate and soil characteristics of each region in Bangladesh. Farmers would no longer be forced into purchasing imported seeds that may not be ideally suited to their needs or are too expensive to sustain. With locally adapted seeds, farmers could produce seeds that better resist local pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. By enabling farmers to save and replant seeds, Bangladesh can foster a resilient agricultural system that is less dependent on imported inputs.

Environmental sustainability also depends on self-sufficiency. Many hybrid seeds require high levels of chemical inputs to produce the intended yields. Pesticides and fertilizers come with environmental costs: they degrade soil health, pollute water sources, and contribute to the overall carbon footprint of agriculture. By focusing on developing R&D to this regard, Bangladesh would promote a greener, more environmentally responsible agricultural model that aligns with the needs of its ecosystems.

Another crucial factor is biodiversity. When a country relies mainly on imported hybrid seeds, it risks diminishing the genetic diversity of its agricultural crops. Local, indigenous seed varieties are rich with unique genetic traits that have adapted to Bangladesh's diverse climates, regions, and agricultural practices over centuries. These varieties are essential for preserving biodiversity, a critical factor in long-term resilience to climate change and crop diseases. Building a local seedindustry supports the preservation of this diversity, helping safeguard the future of Bangladeshi agriculture.

To achieve self-sufficiency in seeds, Bangladesh must prioritize investments in agricultural research and development. The nation's agricultural institutions need support to create resilient, high-yield varieties of crops that are also sustainable and suited to local environmental conditions. Research collaborations with universities and private firms could also accelerate the development of new seed varieties capable of withstanding challenges unique to Bangladesh, like increased salinity and periodic flooding in coastal areas. Such innovation is a long-term investment that would pay dividends in agricultural resilience and productivity.

Public-private partnerships are equally important. Government agencies and private companies need to work together to share resources, distribute research findings, and ensure high-quality seed production on a large scale. Public-private collaboration can also make new technologies more accessible to farmers, fostering an agricultural sector that benefits from innovation while remaining affordable and practical.Encouraging the development and adoption of indigenous seed varieties can strengthen resilience further. Local seeds have been naturally adapted over generations and can often withstand the climatic and pest conditions specific to Bangladesh. Educating farmers on the benefits of these varieties and providing incentives to grow and share indigenous seeds would promote sustainability. Additionally, developing the existing national seed banks could ensure the preservation of these seeds, keeping a rich genetic reservoir for future use.

Another critical aspect is policy reform. Bangladesh needs robust policies that provide financial support for industries, incentives for companies investing in hybrid seed production research and development. Strong policies will strengthen local control over seed resources, empowering farmers and protecting them from high costs and unstable supply chains.Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can also play a central role in developing a resilient seed industry. These businesses are more flexible and can quickly respond to regional needs. By providing training, technology, and funding, Bangladesh could encourage SMEs to invest in seed production, creating an agricultural network that is diverse, sustainable, and responsive to local conditions. Decentralized seed production would create a more adaptable supply chain, further reducing the risk of disruptions.

With the right focus and commitment, Bangladesh can achieve self-sufficiency in seeds. Moving towards this goal will empower our farmers, protect the environment, and ensure a secure food supply. By investing in research, supporting local production, and creating strong public-private partnerships, we can reduce our dependence on imported seeds and build a resilient, sustainable agricultural system. Self-sufficiency in seeds is not merely a goal for today but a foundation for the future of Bangladeshi agriculture, allowing farmers to thrive and ensuring food security for generations to come.

The writer is a PhD researcher, University of Newcastle, Australia


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