Regenerative farming can transform Bangladesh’s food future

Regenerative agriculture contributes to environmental sustainability and enhances the resilience of farming systems against climate variability.In an interview with The Financial Express, Bayer’s Regional Head for Crop Science in AsiaMalu Nachreiner, outlines a vision for advancing regenerative agriculture across Bangladesh and the wider region. Following is the full texts of the interview:

FE: Regenerative agriculture is gaining global attention as a solution to environmental degradation and food insecurity, especially in Asia, where traditional practices and ecological innovation are converging. Could you explain regenerative agriculture from both a global and Asian perspective?

Malu: Globally, regenerative agriculture addresses critical issues like climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity by focusing on rebuilding soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and optimising inputs. This approach ensures that farming practices not only sustain but also improve natural resources over time.

At Bayer, our vision for farming is to “Produce More, Restore Nature,andScale Regenerative Agriculture”.

I also want to emphasise the critical need to produce more food within limited areas while ensuring that farming remains economically viable for farmers. Soil health is a fundamental aspect of regenerative agriculture. The challenges we face vary by region: in Latin America, large-scale farming presents significant obstacles, while in Bangladesh, fragmented land holdings are a primary concern. Additionally, I noted that only 40,000 hectares in India are currently utilised for regenerative agriculture, whereas millions more need to be engaged for this approach to truly take root.

FE: As the Regional Head for Crop Science at Bayer, what is your vision for regenerative agriculture in Asia, particularly in Bangladesh?

Malu: Regenerative agriculture emphasises agronomic practices that actively regenerate the soil. Key practices include minimal soil disturbance, cover cropping, crop diversification, and the integration of livestock into farming systems. In Bangladesh, innovative methods such as Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) exemplify how we can leverage technology to improve soil health, reduce water usage, and lower carbon emissions. These practices not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also enhance the resilience of farming systems against climate variability.

Our approach involves collaboration with farmers, policymakers, and local partners to accelerate the transition toward farming systems that are economically viable and environmentally sound. By providing training, resources, and access to cutting-edge technologies, Bayer aims to empower farmers to adopt regenerative practices that secure long-term food security for the region.

Ultimately, we envision a future where agriculture in Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, not only meets the food demands of a growing population but also contributes positively to the environment, ensuring that farming remains a sustainable and profitable endeavour for generations to come.

FE: What is the role of young people in agriculture, and how does Bayer plan to engage the next generation for development in Bangladesh?

Malu: Young people are vital for the future of agriculture, especially in countries like Bangladesh where farming underpins rural livelihoods. Their energy and digital fluency position them as key drivers of transformation. Bayer is committed to empowering the next generation through skills training, mentorship, and access to modern technologies, making agriculture an attractive career path.

We support initiatives like Better Life Farming, which helps smallholders achieve sustainable incomes, and our agri-entrepreneurship model empowers rural youth within the agricultural value chain. Collaborating with educational & related institutions, we integrate agricultural training and sustainability concepts, like- Safe Use Ambassadors, Regenerative Agriculture Training, Internship, Access to Technologies, etc.

We aim the future leaders will not only enhance productivity but also ensure agriculture contributes to economic growth, social equity, and climate resilience, ultimately transforming Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape into a sustainable development model for South Asia.

FE: How is Bayer working to empower women in agriculture, and what initiatives support women both in the field and within the company?

Malu: At Bayer, empowering women is a fundamental aspect of our commitment, both in agricultural development and within our organisation.

In the field, Bayer provides women farmers with targeted training on GAP, safe product use, and climate-smart farming. We enhance their access to high-quality seeds, digital advisory tools, and modern agricultural technologies. One of our notable initiatives is the Better Life Farming (BLF) Center, which is specifically designed to empower women entrepreneurs and agricultural consultants. This programme offers tailored training and resources that equip women with the skills necessary to thrive in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the BLF Center facilitates access to markets, enabling women farmers to effectively and profitably sell their products. Since our BLF journey began in Bangladesh in 2020, we have established 1,500 centres, served 450,000 smallholder farmers, and significantly strengthened women's participation in sustainable farming.

Internally, Bayer fosters an inclusive and supportive workplace through strong commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We maintain a culture that supports career advancement, equal opportunity, and work-life balance for all employees. Our Leadership Forum are designed to help women in agriculture and within our organisation reach their full potential, driving both equity and innovation.

Through these comprehensive efforts, Bayer is dedicated to creating an inclusive agricultural environment and a supportive workplace where women can lead, innovate, and make a significant impact in their communities.

FE: What potential do you see for crops like corn in Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape, particularly in relation to biofuels and animal feed?

Malu: Corn holds tremendous potential to diversify Bangladesh’s agricultural portfolio. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the country achieved a record maize production of 4.87 million tonnes from 0.514 million hectares of land in the previous fiscal year (2023-2024), thanks to crops from both the winter and summer seasons. Its use in biofuels and animal feed can reduce import dependency and stimulate rural economies.

Bayer works with farmers and industry partners to promote sustainable corn cultivation practices that increase yields while maintaining environmentally balanced-driving economic growth and supporting food and energy security. We see major potential to help Bangladesh unlock the full value of corn through:

• High-performing hybrids suited to local growing conditions, ensuring higher yields and climate resilience.
• Integrated crop management solutions — including digital advisory, crop protection, and soil-health enhancing practices.
• Regenerative agriculture approaches that improve soil structure, optimise nutrient use, and increase productivity sustainably.

Corn can become a cornerstone crop for Bangladesh, powering the feed industry today and potentially contributing to a greener energy future tomorrow. Bayer is committed to supporting this trajectory.

FE: How can Bayer help boost farmers’ income and livelihoods amid changing climatic conditions?

Malu: Our plan is focused on expanding our footprint in Bangladesh by deepening farmer outreach, introducing new innovations, and building stronger local partnerships. We aim to bring more hybrid seeds, invest in training programmes, advance agronomic practices by combining seeds, best crop protection solutions, and ensuring soil health to ensure regenerative agriculture in Bangladesh. Additionally, we're exploring collaborations with startups and agri-tech platforms to accelerate digital transformation all with the broader goal of meeting the growing need for food and nutritional security for 220 million Bangladeshis, while also enabling potential export opportunities in the future.

Our product portfolio is being continuously expanded to ensure farmers have access to the best inputs available. One such very successful initiative are the Better Life Farming centres set up by Bayer in Bangladesh. Bayer has set an SDG goal to empower 100 million smallholder farmers worldwide by 2030. The Better Life Farming (BLF) initiative is a key global effort aimed at achieving this goal. Bangladesh is a key target country for Bayer’s BLF initiative, which is rapidly expanding its reach within the country.

We further provide training on water management, soil health, and IPM to increase yields while reducing costs for farmers. By connecting farmers to markets and financing, we help enhance their incomes and build long-term resilience against climate-related risks.

Ultimately, our commitment to innovation, education, and collaboration contributes to long-term food security in Bangladesh, ensuring that the agricultural sector can meet the demands of a growing population while protecting the environment for future generations.