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Reports claimed this adding despite increased costs of cultivation inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, diesel, pesticides, and labour, farmers find themselves receiving prices below their expectations.
It may be mentioned here that despite the increasing demand for cotton, local production is able to meet less than 2 per cent of the annual requirement, necessitating significant imports costing over $3 billion annually. This year, cotton cultivation has expanded by nearly 2 per cent, covering 46,000 hectares, with the government targeting production of 2.28 lakh bales, up from 2.10 lakh bales the previous season.
The Cotton Development Board (CDB) officials noted the growing interest in cotton cultivation, with a shift towards hybrid varieties. Rezaul Karim, a CDB officer, highlighted efforts to disseminate improved farming methods among farmers and promote companion cropping with various vegetables.
Fakhre Alam Ibne Tabib, the executive director of CDB, acknowledged the farmers’ concerns regarding market prices and assured discussions to address their demands even as the CDB has undertaken initiatives to bolster cotton cultivation, including land identification and financial incentives.
An allocation of Taka 10 crore has been designated to support 12,375 trained farmers this year.
Looking ahead, the CDB envisions substantial growth in cotton production, aiming for 15.80 lakh bales from two lakh hectares of land by 2040, recognising cotton’s pivotal role in sustaining the textile industry, a vital sector for Bangladesh’s economy.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)