Modern technology – such as smart irrigation, digital services, AI, gene modification, tech utilization – can play a key role in dealing with the ever-looming threat of climate crisis
Farmer Nabi Hossain, a 50-year-old resident of Chattogram, a city of Southeastern Bangladesh, has been cultivating rice for three decades. He is no stranger to climate disasters causing damage to his crops. But with each passing year, the frequency and severity of such disasters – irregular rainfall, drought, and floods – have gone up significantly.
Detailing his predicament, Hossain told The Climate Watch, “Our region used to receive adequate rainfall during the monsoon season. But now the amount of rainfall has decreased noticeably, and sometimes we witness sudden heavy rainfall.
“Crop production is decreasing due to a timely lack of water. We were unable to cultivate paddy last year due to lack of rain at the right time.” Due to late rainfall, no one prepared seedbeds in Chhanua Union (a remote area of Banshkhali sub-district under Chattogram) in 202 hectares. So, rice was not cultivated on more than 350 hectares of land in this region.
Experts say erratic rainfall patterns, extreme weather, droughts, frequent cyclones, and storms – which have been damaging crops increasingly – are linked to climate change. Thousands farmers just like Hossain are staring at an uncertain future.
Hossain points out, “If this [increasing frequency of disasters due to climate change] continues, we will have to leave the agriculture sector, and switch to other professions.”
In Bangladesh agricultural sector contributes 14.10% to the country’s GDP, and about 40.6% of the total labor force engages in agriculture, according to the Bangladesh Economic Survey 2018.
Rising sea levels, salinity, irregular rainfall, and increasing temperatures are reducing crop production, decreasing soil fertility, and pushing farmers into poverty. There is not much research on the overall damage caused by climate change in Bangladesh. However, according to a report by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, crop production in the northwestern part of the country has decreased by 20% to 30% due to drought.
Addressing this issue, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Vice Chancellor Professor AKM Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan said, “The country’s agricultural sector is suffering significant losses annually due to climate change impacts. The availability of arable land is decreasing, soil fertility is gradually disappearing, and disasters such as storms, rains, and droughts are damaging crops, cutting production. However, if we boost utilization of modern technology in agriculture, it could improve the whole sector.”
Using data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Professor Bhuiyan said that every year, climate change damages at least 25% and destroys around 15% of Bangladesh’s crops.
The total income of farmers is decreasing by about 20% to 30%. Every year, about 10% of the country’s arable land becomes uncultivable. It is crucial to introduce smart agricultural systems across the country as soon as possible to tackle this worsening situation.
Experts say technology can play a key role in dealing with this crisis, and “Smart irrigation” systems can increase crop production by saving water.
Smart irrigation: The way to go
Mohammad Tarek (25), an enterprising young man, named has cultivated Apple Jujube [ also known as Apple Kul Boroi in Bangladesh] in the hilly area east of Saheber Hat in Sadhanpur Union of Chattogram’s Banshkhali Upazila.
In addition, he has established a farm of different breeds of goats and Chinese ducks in the area. Tarek is using a solar-powered “smart irrigation” system to supply water to his entire project.
Providing more details, Tarek said, “Witnessing my success, other young people in the region and beyond have expressed interest in smart agriculture. Using this method of farming, and with support from agriculture officers, we are making hefty profits.
“I earn around Tk 4 lakh (around USD $3300) four from this entire project annually,” said Tarek.
Banshkhali Upazila Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Tipu Kumar Nath said, “Through the Solar Energy Project under the DAE, we helped introduce improved irrigation management in Tarek’s entire project in Sadhanpur at a cost of Tk 7.60 lakh. “This pilot project began back in 2022.”
Tipu added, “This project is playing an effective role in not only saving water, but electricity too for the national grid. Water is extracted using solar energy, so there is no electricity consumption from the grid.
“In this irrigation system, water is supplied through underground pipes, which prevents wastage.”
He continued, “The agriculture office has taken several steps to inform farmers about this irrigation facility. We are advising farmers to adopt improved solar-powered irrigation systems and supervising proper irrigation of crops with a focus on saving water and electricity.
“Due to a lack of power connection, especially in the hilly areas, farmers are expressing their interest in this irrigation project. Tarek’s agricultural initiatives are commendable. He is an educated, knowledgeable young man. He has benefited by following our advice.”
The total water content in Bangladesh is around 1,404.1 billion cubic meters (BCM). Of the amount, surface water takes up 1,350 BCM and groundwater 54.10 BCM. It should be noted that 87% of this water is utilized by agriculture, 10% by households and 3% by industries.
Although agriculture and industry utilize both groundwater and surface water, groundwater is used for household purposes in most areas of the country. Although surface water is also used in some parts of the country for this purpose.
Statistics show that most of the country’s water – around 60-70 BCM – is used for irrigation throughout the year, of which about 40%-50% is wasted due to numerous technical flaws.
To prevent such waste, it is crucial to use modern, affordable, and sustainable technology in agriculture.
Precision type and buried pipe irrigation, AWD, attaching flow meters in irrigation pumps, volumetric use of water, recycling, and considering the weather forecast can help prevent such wastages.
Drip irrigation: A new horizon of possibility
Enterprising farmer Sushant Tangchangya has opened a new door of success in malta cultivation in the hilly region of Chattogram’s Rangunia, utilizing the modern “drip irrigation” system.
Sushant has a garden of 150 malta trees on about one acre of land in the Raisabili area under Islampur Union Ward 2. Last year, he produced an average of about 450 kg of malta with 30kg of fruits per plant.
He made a tidy profit by selling yield at Tk 55, Tk 60, Tk 65, and Tk 70 per kg. As he is based in a hilly area, Sushant initially faced several problems, including issues with his irrigation system. To tackle these issues, he purchased machines for orchard maintenance and irrigation and underwent training from the Upazila Agriculture Office.
The Upazila Agriculture Office came forward to tackle Sushanta’s problem. Three months ago, a “drip irrigation” system was installed in his orchard free of charge. This system allows for low cost, short duration, and sufficient water to be used for irrigation.
Satisfied with the system, Sushanta hopes to reduce production costs and increase his malta yield and profits.
Like Sushant, farmer Zafar Ahmed of South Sharaf Bhata under Rangunia is also enjoying the benefits of drip irrigation. He is utilizing this system to cultivate malta and oranges on 40% of his land.
Rangunia Upazila Agriculture Officer Imrul Kayes said, “So far, drip irrigation systems have been installed in a few places across the region. We have been providing agricultural consultancy and support to farmers, in a bid to help them reduce production costs and increase yield.
“Sushanta is a shining example of how farmers in hilly areas can also be successful by using modern systems like drip irrigation. This success will undoubtedly inspire other farmers as well.”
A 2020 study by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) established smart irrigation systems as a beacon of hope for Bangladesh.
Research findings show by using this technology, it is possible to prevent water wastage, while boosting rice yield.
With the help of smart irrigation systems, water can be supplied at the right time and in moderation according to the needs of the crop, preventing excess irrigation and water wastage. Providing irrigation at the right time also improves rice production.
Challenges and viability
There are, however, some challenges in utilizing this technology. Nazrul Kabir, who owns an agricultural farm in Tintohari area of Khagrachari’s Manikchari, said, “The initial cost of a smart irrigation system is remarkably high, which is difficult for many farmers to bear.
“In addition, the maintenance and operation of this technology requires a skilled workforce, which is in short supply. If all these challenges can be met, smart irrigation systems can bring about a revolutionary change in the agricultural sector of Bangladesh.”
Digital technology and farmers
Farmers have quick and easy access to weather forecasts, market prices, crop diseases and insect attacks using mobile apps and artificial intelligence (AI).
Apps such as “Krishoker Janala,” “Krishoker Digital Thikana,” “Balainashok Nirdeshika,” and “Amar Mati” are helping farmers make the right decision faster by making all necessary information available at their fingertips.
However, there are a few challenges. Many farmers are averse to using technology because they do not have next to no experience with smartphones and apps. In addition, the lack of internet in rural areas is hindering proper utilization of this technology.
If these challenges can be addressed, digital apps and artificial intelligence will be able to bring revolutionary changes in the agricultural sector.
Director of Agricultural Information Service Md Moshiur Rahman said, “We are providing training in the use of digital apps in rural areas. Farmers can get more information by calling the 16123 hotline.”
iFarmer bringing positive change
Information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are now everywhere, and the agricultural sector is no different. Startups, such as the iFarmer Ltd, are working to increase the use of technology in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.
iFarmer provides farmers with financial advice, weather updates, modern technology support, advice to help increase crop production. This app service provider has a database of sixty types of information on 1.13 lakh registered farmers.
iFarmer is bringing about revolutionary changes in the country’s agricultural sector by providing training, advice, and opportunities to farmers for selling their products.
Mahbubul Alam has been involved in the cattle trade since 1999. He established his own farm in 2002. In 2019, he registered with iFarmer and took the step towards technology-based farm management.
Four people now work on his farm, and he collaborates with 150 farmers and ranchers.
Mahbubul’s wife Anjum Monowara Khatun takes care of the farm with knowledge about animal husbandry gleaned through the mobile app. They have two daughters. Mahbubul named a dairy farm after his eldest daughter Labiba.
Mohiul Bari, another local entrepreneur, said he initially had no interest in farming. But after receiving training and technical facilities through iFarmer, he took a shine to farming as a profession.
Farmers are getting the opportunity to sell crops, vegetables and livestock using their smartphones. The company supports farmers through iFarmer centers in various parts of the country.
iFarmer is improving farm management through financial facilities and technology for numerous farmers in these areas. The company is also supporting the farming of not only livestock, but also diverse types of crops and vegetables.
Farmers and ranchers are taking iFarmer services through the app called “Safol.” Through this app, farmhands and retailers are now easily offering their services to farmers.
Farmers can register with their national identity card information through e-KYC. The app helps to cut down costs and complications using smartphone and “remote sensing” technology.
iFarmer provides timely information and data to farm owners by using satellite-based weather updates, soil fertility, pH and moisture analysis using intelligent soil sensors, and monitoring the health, movement and reproductive cycle of cows using a smart device called Cowdy. The app is also protecting farmers from middlemen through technology-based services.
According to rancher Anjuman Monowara Khatun, the app made the process of buying and selling cattle much easier. Buyers use iFarmer’s “Safol” app to buy sacrificial animals for Eid-ul-Azha. Through the app, sacrificial animals quickly reach the buyer from the farm. Ranchers deliver cattle to meat sellers through the app as well.
Discussing features, iFarmer Vice President Farhad Zulfiqar said, “The app is providing farmers with training opportunities from the government and private agencies. Farmers are receiving basic soil information through soil sensor technology.
“They get advice based on satellite-based remote sensing and regular weather forecasts. iFarmer provides 24-hour payment at a fair price and hassle-free service. Farmers have sold 299,000 tons of crops so far through the iFarmer app. Our action plans focus on farmers.”
Gene modification for food security
Genetically modified (GM) crops have opened new possibilities for food security. These varieties – tolerant to drought, salinity, and insects – can produce higher yields even in adverse environments.
BT brinjal, introduced in Bangladesh in 2014, is a key example. The cultivation of this variety, which is resistant to boring pests, has significantly reduced the use of pesticides, according to officials from the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute.
Golden rice, developed to cover Vitamin A deficiency, is another promising GM crop, although its commercial cultivation has not yet begun in Bangladesh.
The benefits of GM crops include increased productivity and reduced use of pesticides, which are helpful in reducing environmental pollution. However, there are also several challenges.
However, Environmental organizations are concerned about the long-term health risks and environmental impacts of GM crops.
Advising caution, they say although it is possible to ensure food security through the proper use of GM crops, adequate research and regulation are needed considering its potential risks.
Addressing this issue, Policy Research for Development Alternatives (UBINIG) Executive Director Farida Akhtar said, “The introduction of GM crops may reduce the diversity of local varieties of crops, which is a threat to biodiversity.
“Therefore, it is important to take precautionary measures and carefully consider the potential risks and benefits in adopting GM crops.”
Tech utilization: Challenges and solutions
Agriculturist Nazrul Islam said, “Although there is immense potential for increasing the use of modern technology in agriculture, there are several obstacles to its implementation. The first of the challenges is economic constraints.
“The initial cost of technology is difficult to bear for many farmers, especially the small and marginal ones.”
Lack of education is another major obstacle. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics’ (BBS) preliminary report on Population and Housing Census 2022, around 25% of the country’s people are illiterate, which creates problems with technology utilisation.
Lack of access to technology is also a significant hurdle. There is no adequate supply of internet and electricity in rural areas. In 2019, only 30% of rural areas had internet users.
The issue of social acceptance is also important. Many farmers, especially the elderly, are reluctant to adopt modern technologies.
Stakeholders have proposed a number of solutions to address these challenges. Easier provision of credit, subsidies, and financing for small and marginal farmers through public and private collaboration are necessary to bring a positive change.
Agricultural banks and NGOs can play a vital role in this regard. Training and raising awareness on this issue are crucial. Farmers can be encouraged to use technology through yard meetings, field schools, and local agricultural offices. Technology transfer can be beneficial as well.
Technology and knowledge from developed countries should be adopted through international cooperation. In addition, emphasis should be placed on local innovation.
The local innovation of the solar-powered irrigation system in Banshkhali is a good example. The availability of internet and electricity in rural areas must be increased. By implementing these solutions, it is possible to distribute the blessing of technology in agriculture to everyone.
