Farm mechanisation needs to be targeted, sustainable

Experts at a workshop held recently put emphasis on the need for evidence-based policies that prioritize regional demands, improve governance in subsidy distribution, and create a supportive environment for local industries.

They maintained that achieving sustainable agricultural mechanisation would require collaborative efforts, targeted financial interventions, and regulatory reforms to ensure equitable access and long-term viability.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, convened the knowledge -- sharing workshop on "Agricultural Mechanisation in Bangladesh" at a local hotel.

The workshop presented IFPRI's preliminary research findings and fostered dialogue among policymakers, researchers, practitioners, bankers, and industry experts to enhance agricultural mechanisation.

Dr Akhter Ahmed, Country Representative of IFPRI-Bangladesh, emphasized the critical need for targeted and sustainable agricultural mechanisation.

Dr Md Mahmudur Rahman, Additional Secretary (PPC Wing), Ministry of Agriculture, as the chief guest at the workshop highlighted the critical importance of evidence-based research in shaping the future of agricultural mechanisation policies in Bangladesh.

IFPRI Research Fellow Dr Mehrab Bakhtiar and Associate Research Fellow Dr Moogdho Mahzab presented IFPRI's ongoing policy research on farm mechanisation in Bangladesh. The presentation highlighted critical insights from IFPRI's research on agricultural mechanisation in Bangladesh, focusing on the alignment of machine allocation with regional agro-ecological needs, governance challenges, and market dynamics. Key findings highlighted regional disparities in machine distribution, with some high-production areas being overlooked in the distribution process.

Dr Md Ayub Hossain, Former Director, Training and Communication Wing, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) stressed that agricultural mechanisation goes beyond distributing machines and must focus on effective utilization and farmer training.

Dr Imanun Nabi, Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) highlighted the need for nuanced policies to address challenges in mechanisation, particularly for smallholder farmers who cannot afford machinery independently.

Dr Ruhul Amin Talukder, Senior Policy Advisor at IFPRI and Former Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, skillfully moderated the discussion, offering profound insights into Bangladesh's agricultural policies.