Boosting farm produce export

Despite repeated emphasis on increasing farm produce exports as a means of diversifying the country's export basket, significant progress remains elusive. While there have been occasional surges, the sector continues to fall short of realising its full potential. Currently, farm produce exports contribute only US$1.0 billion, accounting for a mere 2.87 per cent of the country's total exports.

One of the most frequently cited barriers to farm produce exports, particularly those intended for human consumption, is the stringent and often cumbersome sanitary and phytosanitary testing procedures imposed by most importing countries. Additionally, exporters must comply with numerous regulations and safety protocols specific to each destination market, adding to the complexity and cost of exporting agricultural goods. The challenges extend beyond international compliance requirements. A critical domestic factor impeding export growth-especially for primary agricultural produce such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices etc-is the absence of robust policies governing farm produce cultivation. Notably, the lack of a comprehensive pesticide policy has led to widespread and unregulated use of chemical pesticides, which in turn hinders the country's ability to meet international safety standards. This issue poses a significant obstacle to achieving the government's ambitious target of earning US$5.0 billion from agricultural exports by 2030.

The issue was prominently highlighted during a discussion meeting titled Sustainable Agriculture, organised by a local think-tank Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD). The keynote presenter noted that despite the enactment of the Pesticide Act in 2018, a well-defined pesticide policy is yet to be formulated. Consequently, both farmers and exporters struggle to adhere to international food safety standards. Currently, the country uses approximately 40,000 tonnes of pesticides annually. Without a clear regulatory framework, misuse and overuse of pesticides have become pervasive, exacerbating environmental and health concerns. Experts warn that excessive pesticide use has dire consequences, including soil degradation, water contamination, and harm to aquatic ecosystems. For instance, the indiscriminate use of herbicides has been linked to a decline in fish populations in the haor regions. Moreover, the negative impact of pesticide overuse extends to pollinators. The decline of honeybee populations due to pesticide exposure is particularly alarming, as pollination is crucial for 87 per cent of crop varieties. If honeybee populations continue to dwindle, agricultural productivity could suffer a sharp decline, further jeopardising food security and the country's export potential.

Given these challenges, the urgent need for a well-structured and enforceable pesticide policy cannot be overstated. Such a policy should emphasise responsible pesticide use while incorporating provisions for farmers' training, stringent safety standards, and environmental protection measures. A comprehensive approach to pesticide regulation would not only ensure compliance with international market requirements but also safeguard sustainable agricultural practices. It is imperative that the relevant authorities take immediate action to address these issues. By implementing a well-thought-out pesticide policy and enhancing support mechanisms for farmers, the country can pave the way for a stable and expanding overseas market for its farm produce.