Bangladesh’s Pulse Crisis Deepens as Imports Fail to Meet Demand
Bangladesh faces a growing pulse shortage despite their vital role in local diets. These affordable, protein-rich crops are a staple, yet the country produces only a fraction of what it needs. Heavy reliance on imports leaves markets vulnerable to price swings and supply disruptions.
The country’s pulse deficit stems from decades of prioritising cereals like rice over legumes. Farmers dedicate just 3.0 to 3.2 lakh hectares to pulses, yielding under one million tonnes a year—far below the 2.3 to 2.5 million tonnes demanded annually. Low yields, averaging 1.3 to 1.5 tonnes per hectare, reflect persistent challenges: poor seed quality, pest attacks, and unpredictable weather.
Post-harvest losses worsen the shortfall. Smallholders often lack proper storage, forcing them to sell quickly at low prices. This discourages investment in pulse farming, keeping production stagnant. Efforts to boost yields are underway. The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) runs sesame breeding programmes to improve seed quality. USAID’s Feed the Future initiative has lifted yields by 20-30% since 2015 through climate-resilient varieties. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) helps farmers manage risks, while the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC) trains women in seed distribution to promote gender equity. Pulses could thrive in rice-based farming systems. They fit well in crop rotations, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. But scaling up requires policy changes: better price support, improved seed systems, and reforms to cropping patterns.
Bangladesh spends over Tk6,000 crore yearly on pulse imports, a cost that could shrink with stronger domestic production. Closing the gap means tackling storage issues, supporting smallholders, and integrating pulses into farming cycles. Without coordinated action, the country will remain dependent on unstable global markets for a dietary essential.
Read also:
- India's Agriculture Minister Reviews Sector Progress Amid Heavy Rains, Crop Areas Up
- Cyprus, Kuwait Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Upcoming Ministerial Meeting
- Inspired & Paddy Power Extend Virtual Sports Partnership for UK & Ireland Retail
- South West & South East England: Check & Object to Lorry Operator Licensing Now
