Bangladesh is a major agricultural country. About 80 percent of the people in this country depend on agriculture for their livelihood and about 80 percent of the source of employment is agriculture. The raw material for the industry from which we earn foreign exchange also comes from the agricultural sector. Agriculture plays a major role in food production, industrial development and other areas of the country. In a developing country like Bangladesh, the overall development of the country depends on the development of agriculture and farmers.
Agriculture and Farmers in the National Economy: Since the basic infrastructure of our economy is based on agriculture, the role of agriculture and farmers in the national economy is immense. If agricultural production is low, not only will there be food shortages, but also industries that depend on agro-based raw materials will suffer. At the same time, commodity prices will skyrocket. When agricultural production is disrupted, internal and external trade comes to a standstill. On the other hand, when the agricultural production is good, the country's economy becomes strong. So the role of the farmer is the main one in this case.
The role of agriculture and farmers in the growth of national income: The role of agriculture in the national income of a country whose economy is based on agriculture cannot be overstated. Agriculture is the source of almost all manufactured goods in our country, starting from industrial raw materials to food products. The country's agricultural products are being exported abroad and the country is earning foreign exchange.
Agriculture and farmers in food production: Rice, pulses, fish, vegetables, fruits etc. are all essential crops in the food list of Bengalis. About 90 per cent of the 2.20 crore cultivable lands in Bangladesh produce food grains. 80% of the land in this country is used for paddy production. But due to various natural calamities crops are lost in this country. Moreover, we have not yet become self-sufficient in food due to lack of cultivable land as compared to the population and non-use of science based agricultural technology. Yet 80 percent of the food is supplied by our farmers.
The role of agriculture and farmers in solving the surface problem: Malnutrition is one of the problems of our country. Most of the rural population is suffering from malnutrition. Eighty percent of women suffer from anemia, and 30,000 children go blind every year due to a lack of vitamin A. 64% of boys and 75% of girls aged 4-14 are suffering from anemia. 12 lakh people in 16 districts of the northern part of the country are suffering from goiter due to malnutrition. Farmers are contributing to the elimination of this malnutrition by producing a variety of nutritious vegetables and fruits.
The contribution of agriculture and farmers in industrialization: The contribution of agriculture in industrialization is indescribable. The main industry of Bangladesh is textile industry. The main raw material of this industry comes from agriculture. On the other hand, sugarcane, the main raw material of sugar industry, is also coming from agriculture. Wheat is being produced by the farmers, from which high quality flour is being made. In this way, almost every small and big industry in Bangladesh is revolving around agriculture.
Contribution of agriculture and farmers to increase export earnings: A large portion of export earnings in Bangladesh come from the agricultural sector. We all know about the golden fiber, which our country is earning a significant amount of foreign exchange by exporting. This golden fiber or jute is the product of the farmer. At present various jute products such as bags, sacks etc. are being exported. There is a place for tea after jute. Every year Bangladesh is earning a lot of foreign exchange by exporting a lot of tea. However, at present, even if it is slightly reduced, at one time 70/75 percent of the country's export income would come from the agricultural sector.
The role of agriculture and farmers in job creation: Unemployment is a big problem in Bangladesh. Agriculture requires labor, so many people are able to make a living from here. Again from industrial raw materials to industrial establishments. All those organizations also need a lot of workers. This is creating employment for many people.
Farmers of Bangladesh:
‘Who goes to the field to plow before dawn?
He is a farmer in our village, he lives in our village. '
Such a farmer lives in every village of Bangladesh. As soon as the light of dawn broke, every farmer started running to the field with a plow on his shoulder. Burning in the sun, wet in the rain, he worked tirelessly to reap the harvest. This work of his continues from morning till evening. In this way, every farmer is producing food grains and other agricultural products for us.
The past condition of the farmer: We can understand the past condition of the farmer in Bangladesh only through history, folklore and proverbs. In the description of the famous traveler Ibn Battuta, there is a place for the farmers of Bangladesh. This country
Bangladesh is an agricultural country