Potential of climate-smart agriculture in southern Bangladesh

Increasingly frequent cyclones, saline water intrusion, prolonged waterlogging, erratic rainfall, and rising sea levels are drastically altering the agricultural landscape in southern Bangladesh. Smarting under the adverse impact of climate change, the vulnerable coastal regions of southern Bangladesh comprising Khulna, Barishal, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Patuakhali, and parts of Chattogram are likely to be the worst sufferers of a possible sea-level rise. The climatic stresses, compounded by poverty and meagre infrastructure, threaten the livelihoods of millions dependent on smallholder farming. Evidently, the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) has emerged as both a necessity and a promising strategy for ensuring food security, protecting natural resources, and enabling climate resilience in this fragile ecosystem.

One of the key pillars of CSA in the south is the widespread adoption of stress-tolerant crop varieties. The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) have developed several salt-tolerant rice varieties such as BRRI dhan 47, 53, 54 and BINA dhan 8, 10, and 11. These have shown notable success in saline-prone regions of Satkhira, Khulna, and Bagerhat, where traditional rice cultivation is no longer viable. Farmers have reported improved yields and lower crop failure rates notwithstanding increasing salinity levels. Similarly, flood-tolerant varieties like BRRI dhan 51 and 52 have proved useful in areas vulnerable to flash floods and prolonged inundation.

Reviving traditional knowledge, floating agriculture is re-emerging in southern districts such as Gopalganj and Bagerhat. This centuries-old method, which involves growing crops on floating beds made of water hyacinth and bamboo, is being adapted and scaled up during monsoons when fields are submerged. Vegetables like okra, cucumbers, and leafy greens are now being produced on these beds, ensuring year-round food production and dietary diversity. The innovation lies in its low cost and its potential to convert waterlogged land into productive zones, especially for landless farmers.

An innovative CSA solution gaining traction is the Integrated Floating Cage Aquageoponics System (IFCAS), developed by Bangladesh scientists. This approach combines fish farming and vegetable cultivation in floating structures, making optimal use of vertical space and enabling resource-efficient farming in submerged or shaded ponds. IFCAS has been successfully piloted in districts like Satkhira and Pirojpur, generating both nutritional and income benefits for participating households.

Water-smart technologies are also at the core of CSA. Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) is being increasingly adopted by rice farmers in regions where water is scarce or expensive. By allowing the soil to dry between irrigation cycles, AWD not only reduces irrigation water use by up to 38 per cent but also cuts methane emissions making it both economically and environmentally sound. Extension workers from BRRI and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) have reported yield improvements of up to 15 per cent and notable reductions in fertiliser input among AWD users.

Agroforestry, another climate-smart practice, is expanding steadily in southern Bangladesh. By integrating fast-growing trees such as mango, guava, and mahogany with traditional crops like rice and vegetables, farmers benefit from improved microclimates, enhanced biodiversity, and long-term soil health. Agroforestry plots have demonstrated superior economic returns over monoculture in multiple cost-benefit analyses conducted by the Bangladesh Forest Department and FAO-supported projects. Farmers also value the added income diversification and protection from wind and salinity these trees offer.

Women, often underrepresented in formal agriculture programmes, are emerging as key agents of climate-smart transformation in southern Bangladesh. Following cyclone Aila in 2009, several rehabilitation initiatives trained women in salinity-resilient agriculture, aquaculture, and homestead gardening. Women's groups in coastal Satkhira and Barguna have since taken lead in managing fish farms and growing salt-tolerant crops like mung bean and sunflower. Their increased participation is not only improving household food security but also strengthening social cohesion and gender equity.

Several large-scale projects are currently accelerating the adoption of CSA across southern Bangladesh. One such initiative is the USAID-funded "Feed the Future Bangladesh Climate Smart Agriculture Activity," which runs from 2023 to 2028. With the goal of reaching over 900,000 farmers, the project supports the dissemination of CSA practices across 680,000 hectares of rice, 100,000 hectares of pulses, and 50,000 hectares of oilseeds. Initial monitoring reports show a 5-10 per cent yield increase across key crops and a marked reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and input use. The project also trains local agri-entrepreneurs and service providers, fostering private sector involvement in climate-resilient input and technology markets.

Other notable initiatives include the World Bank-supported Climate-Smart Agriculture and Water Management (CSAWM) programme, and the Climate Resilient Agriculture Advancement in Barind (CRAAB) project, which have together introduced climate-resilient techniques to over 35,000 farmers across Rajshahi, Patuakhali, and Barguna. These efforts focus not only on crop resilience but also on smart irrigation infrastructure, solar-powered water pumps, and localised weather forecasting services.

Despite the clear benefits, the scale-up of CSA practices faces several bottlenecks. The initial cost of installing technologies like solar irrigation, IFCAS, or improved irrigation systems can be prohibitive for smallholders without access to credit. Land fragmentation and tenure insecurity further discourage long-term investment in CSA. Additionally, gaps in extension services and the availability of quality inputs-such as certified seeds or organic fertilisers-continue to limit uptake. Market access and value chain inefficiencies also mean that farmers cannot always realise higher returns on climate-resilient crops.

To overcome these challenges, policy and institutional support must continue to evolve. The government has shown a strong commitment to CSA through strategies like the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 and the Climate Prosperity Plan (CPP). These long-term frameworks recognise agriculture as a frontline sector in building climate resilience. Expanding subsidies for climate-resilient inputs, providing smart financing for agri-innovation, and investing in digital advisory services are critical steps to create an enabling environment for CSA expansion.

Moreover, extensive collaboration between research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector will be vital. Digital solutions such as mobile apps offering real-time weather alerts, pest warnings, and crop advisory services could enhance farmers' decision-making and efficiency. Encouraging youth involvement through agritech startups and green entrepreneurship also offers a pathway to modernise agriculture while creating rural employment.

The southern Bangladesh, considered one of the most climate-vulnerable regions on the planet, is also becoming a testing ground for transformative agricultural innovation. Climate-Smart Agriculture offers a pragmatic, locally adapted, and inclusive solution to the multiple challenges facing the farming sector. As the country navigates the dual imperatives of economic growth and climate resilience, investing in CSA is not just a necessity, it is also a strategic opportunity to secure the future of food, water and livelihoods for the nation.

Dr. Makhan Lal Dutta is a development professional and serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Harvesting Knowledge Consultancy.

He can be reached at Makhan_Dutta@hk-bd.org