The New Nation - Internet Edition

BANGLADESHI agro-products have good prospects in the UK, USA, Europe and the Middle East. But the quantity of export of agro-products to these destinations so far has been far below the potential. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of appropriate investment in developing agro-industries. The government appears to have become conscious of the factors that the country enjoys better comparative advantage in exporting much greater amounts of products derived from agriculture. Some positive results have already been achieved from the policy though a great deal more remains to be done to fully pave the way for the take-off of this sector. It is thought at the expert level that Bangladesh should go for diversification and growth of high value crops to notably increase its earnings from agriculture.

Also, Bangladesh has potential of doubling or trebling its present production of conventional vegetables to satisfy domestic consumption and leave a substantial surplus for export. Presently, it supplies only 2 to 3 per cent of the demand for vegetables in international markets. This market share has all the possibilities of increasing fast provided proper policies are made and pursued sincerely. The average annual earnings from traditional vegetable exports from Bangladesh is about 3 billion Taka. But this amount is a pittance compared to the potential. The growing of vegetables for export can soon prove to be highly rewarding activity provided supportive policies are followed and necessary infrastructures are put in place. Many unemployed persons are taking up vegetable growing as a form of self-employment. This is, no doubt, helping increase production.

Vegetable exporters say that they are constrained from exporting more mainly by lack of facilities for air freighting. A big boost to vegetable export can take place from increasing its vegetable carrying capacities and reasonably helping scale down charges. Biman should take supporting measures for this because carrying of Bangladeshi vegetables round the world can turn out to be a lucrative source of income for the airline. Side by side, setting up of more cold storages throughout the country needs to be encouraged through tax rebates for their entrepreneurs. The use of air conditioned vans in this sector also need to be encouraged with institutional credit extended for the purpose on attractive terms. The government can make a big contribution by improving road networks to and from areas where vegetables are grown extensively. The exporters need to be trained in cutting, processing, packaging, grading and testing in conformity with international standards. The growing of vegetables organically should also be encouraged with no loss of time. The European Union (EU) have recently warned that in two years from now vegetables export within its territories would not be allowed if these vegetables are found to be grown with chemical fertilisers and pesticides. There is thus, no time to lose to promote organic farming of vegetables in the country.