Why agro-processing remains timid

If agro-processing is value-addition to farm outputs such as crops, livestock, fish, timber etc., Bangladesh has a long way to go before it economically transforms the raw versions of produce into products. The country has to its credit surplus production of certain vegetables and fruits but most varieties of those produce fall short of standard specification for industrial processing. Naturally, the surplus perishable vegetables and fruits are used as animal feed or thrown out to rot. Managements of different agro-processing companies cite, according to a report carried in the FE on Sunday last, the reasons why local farm produce cannot be used for processing in their factories. Locally produced crops are undersized with high moisture contents, less fleshy yield and excessive seeds. Even the cashew nuts introduced lately do not meet the factory specification. Another exotic crop is coffee bean now being cultivated under a promotional initiative. How it will fare in meeting the specification is yet to be reported. 

In a country like Bangladesh with an oversize population, the research priority is to focus on domestic mass consumption, according to a prominent agricultural scientist. This contention is indisputable but then the same concept demands a review when some of the produce such as tomato and pineapples get wasted. If those met the required specifications of industries and factories, the processing of the excessive yield could have led to economies of scale. On the one hand, cost of production increases and on the other, the surplus outputs are left to rot. So cultivation of the improved varieties is an imperative. 

In this context, breeder and chief scientific officer at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) Dr. Md Selim Uddin's claim that the institute has developed some of the produce fit for processing at the companies' plants. But there is a gap between innovation and farmers' practices. In this case, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) should play the role of both a guide and a mentor. The DAE perhaps is least bothered with the mismatch between farm practices and use of outputs for industrial purposes. They are likely to be satisfied with meeting the criterion of mass consumption at home. Now, the need is to adopt improved seeds of tomato and other crops in order to make the yields ready for industrial use. At least, it has to be ensured that the excess outputs are not wasted but used for processing. Not all vegetables and fruits are produced in excess but the select ones that are grown with a big surplus margin should be selected for matching those with industrial needs. 

Potato, for example, can be used for chips and other crisp items. This year farmers have to count losses and its fresh crop is now selling at prices leaving hardly any profit margin. It is exactly in such matters, agriculture extension officers can encourage farmers to adopt quality seeds so that the stem tuber crop meets the phytosanitary standard for export as well as production of chips and other processed foods. Similarly, other crops can be improved. In fact, improved cashew nut seeds imported from Cambodia have already been planted. Within five years yield is expected. The BARI has also developed a variety fit for commercial processing. Had all such initiatives been taken earlier, agro-processing by now have gained momentum. Late comers into the export market face tough challenges.