Bangladesh stands at the frontline of the global climate crisis while also carrying the enormous responsibility of feeding nearly 180 million people. Agriculture remains the backbone of the country’s economy, employing millions of farmers and contributing significantly to national food security. Yet the agricultural sector is also becoming one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through rice cultivation, ruminant livestock farming, and the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers. These activities release large amounts of methane and nitrous oxide, two powerful greenhouse gases that accelerate global warming and environmental degradation.
Rice cultivation is one of the largest sources of methane emissions in Bangladesh. Since rice is the country’s staple food, farmers cultivate it extensively throughout the year. Traditional flooded rice fields create oxygen-poor conditions in the soil, allowing bacteria to produce methane gas that escapes into the atmosphere. As one of the world’s leading rice-producing nations, Bangladesh inevitably emits substantial amounts of methane through this process.
At the same time, ruminant livestock such as cattle, buffalo, and goats significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. These animals release methane during digestion through a natural process known as enteric fermentation. Poor livestock waste management also releases harmful gases and contaminates the environment. As demand for milk, meat, and dairy products increases with population growth and urbanization, emissions from livestock farming are expected to rise further.
Another serious concern is the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogen-based fertilizers. Farmers often apply large quantities of synthetic fertilizers to maximize crop yields and ensure food production. However, overuse of fertilizers causes soils to release nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas nearly 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in trapping heat. Fertilizer runoff also pollutes rivers, canals, ponds, and groundwater, threatening aquatic ecosystems and public health.
Rice cultivation is one of the largest sources of methane emissions in Bangladesh. Since rice is the country’s staple food, farmers cultivate it extensively throughout the year. Traditional flooded rice fields create oxygen-poor conditions in the soil, allowing bacteria to produce methane gas that escapes into the atmosphere.
The impacts of these agricultural emissions are becoming increasingly visible across Bangladesh. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, river erosion, cyclones, and prolonged heatwaves are already affecting farming communities. Coastal regions are facing severe salinity intrusion, reducing agricultural productivity and threatening food security. Many farmers are losing crops due to unpredictable weather patterns, while poor rural families are suffering from rising debt, unemployment, food insecurity, and climate-induced migration to overcrowded cities such as Dhaka.
Climate-related agricultural stress is also creating serious public health risks. Farmers and consumers are increasingly exposed to toxic chemicals that may lead to respiratory diseases, skin disorders, kidney complications, and other long-term health problems. Polluted water, unsafe food systems, and worsening air quality are increasing health vulnerabilities, especially among children, women, and older people.
Meanwhile, malnutrition and food insecurity remain major concerns for millions of Bangladeshis. Any major decline in agricultural production caused by climate change could sharply increase food prices, deepen poverty, and widen inequality. This creates a dangerous cycle where efforts to produce more food through excessive chemical use and intensive farming may eventually damage the environment and undermine long-term agricultural sustainability.
Despite these challenges, Bangladesh still has opportunities to build a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural system. The solution is not to stop food production or abandon modern farming, but to adopt smarter, cleaner, and more efficient agricultural practices.
Several countries around the world have already introduced successful climate-smart agricultural models that Bangladesh can follow. In Vietnam, farmers have adopted Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) methods in rice cultivation, significantly reducing methane emissions while conserving water and maintaining crop yields. Bangladesh can expand similar techniques nationwide, particularly in drought-prone and water-scarce regions.
India has introduced soil health cards that guide farmers on the appropriate use of fertilizers based on soil conditions. This approach has helped reduce excessive fertilizer use, lower farming costs, and improve soil quality.
Bangladesh could adopt a similar nationwide soil monitoring and advisory system to encourage balanced fertilizer application.
In Nepal and parts of Africa, biogas technology has been successfully used to convert livestock waste into renewable energy for cooking and electricity generation. Expanding biogas programs in rural Bangladesh could help reduce methane emissions, improve sanitation, and provide clean energy to rural households.
Bangladesh also needs stronger policy support through subsidies for eco-friendly farming, improved irrigation systems, rural credit facilities, renewable energy initiatives, and farmer education programs. International climate finance and technological assistance from developed countries can further support Bangladesh’s transition toward greener agricultural systems.
Consumers also have responsibilities. Reducing food waste, supporting local farmers, and encouraging environmentally friendly food production can contribute to a healthier agricultural system. Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate people about the links between agriculture, climate change, environmental protection, and public health.
The challenges are enormous, but with effective planning, political commitment, scientific innovation, and strong public awareness, Bangladesh can transform its agricultural sector into one that supports both people and the planet.
The writer is Editor and CEO of News Network
