Bangladesh Grapples with Stagnant Cotton Production Despite Efforts

Bangladesh's cotton production has remained stagnant, meeting a mere 4% of the country's annual demand of 85 lakh bales. The Cotton Development Board (CDB) has been striving to promote local cultivation, but the nation still heavily relies on imports to fulfill its cotton requirements. In fiscal 2021-22, Bangladesh imported cotton worth a staggering $4.642 billion, while garment exports fetched only $42.60 crore.

Why this matters: The stagnation of Bangladesh's cotton production has significant implications for the country's economy and textile industry, which is a major contributor to its GDP. If left unaddressed, this could lead to increased dependence on imports, negatively affecting the country's trade balance and competitiveness in the global market.

Over the past seven years, the country's cotton cultivation has seen an average annual increase of just 1%, with the total acreage standing at 45,000 hectares in fiscal 2022-23. The CDB invested around Taka 160 crore between fiscal 2016-17 and 2022-23 to promote local cotton production. However, the results have been underwhelming, with only a 3-4% expansion in output. Bangladesh aims to reach 1 lakh hectares of cotton cultivation by 2030, but the current pace of growth raises doubts about achieving this ambitious target.

Several factors have hindered the growth of Bangladesh's cotton sector, including insufficient farmland, manpower, government support, and a lack of innovation and investment in cotton production. AH Md Kaikobad, a researcher at the CDB centre in Dinajpur, emphasized the need for policy support to promote production and address the manpower crisis. CDB officials noted, "Insufficient research, funding, and manpower are major obstacles to increasing cotton production."

The absence of adequate research has also contributed to the slow growth in domestic cotton production. Since its founding in 1972, the CDB has developed only nine high-yielding varieties of cotton. Between fiscal 2019-20 and 2022-23, the CDB spent Taka 30.58 crore on research, resulting in a modest 9% rise in domestic cotton production. Experts pointed out, "Limited progress in research, coupled with vacancies and staffing shortages at CDB research centres, hinders efforts to boost production."

Muhammad Ayub, former President of the Bangladesh Cotton Association, suggested that bringing unused sugarcane and tobacco farmland under cotton cultivation could increase production by 10-12%. Mohammad Ali Khokon, President of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), noted that the agriculture ministry focuses more on food crops, neglecting cotton production. Experts stress the need for government investment and policy support to boost production and bridge the quality gap between local and imported cotton.

SM Mannan Kochi, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), urged collaborations among agricultural researchers to find solutions. Fakhre Alam Ibne Tabib, executive director of the CDB, acknowledged that plans are underway to reduce tobacco farming and expand cotton cultivation. However, the country faces the challenge of balancing cotton production with limited farmland and a large population.

As Bangladesh strives to revitalize its cotton sector, overcoming the challenges of insufficient research, funding, and manpower will be vital. With the right policy support, investment, and collaborative efforts, the nation has the potential to boost domestic cotton production and reduce its reliance on imports. Unlocking the untapped potential of Bangladesh's cotton industry could have far-reaching benefits for the country's economy and textile sector.

Key Takeaways

• Bangladesh's cotton production meets only 4% of its annual demand of 85 lakh bales.
• In 2021-22, Bangladesh imported cotton worth $4.642 billion, while garment exports fetched only $42.60 crore.
• Insufficient farmland, manpower, and innovation hinder Bangladesh's cotton sector growth.
• Limited research and funding have resulted in only 9 high-yielding cotton varieties since 1972.
• Bangladesh aims to reach 1 lakh hectares of cotton cultivation by 2030, but current growth pace raises doubts.