Strengthening food storage facilities

Food security remains one of the most pressing challenges for Bangladesh, a country with a population of over 170 million people and limited arable land. Despite significant strides in agricultural production, the nation continues to grapple with food insecurity, exacerbated by post-harvest losses and inadequate storage facilities. Building more storage facilities for food grains and agricultural produce is not just a necessity but a critical step toward ensuring food security, reducing wastage, and safeguarding the livelihoods of millions. This article underscores the importance of investing in robust storage infrastructure to address these challenges and also highlights the urgent need for action.

Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in achieving self-sufficiency in staple crops like rice and wheat. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the country produced over 41 million metric tonnes of rice in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, meeting a significant portion of its domestic demand. However, food security is not solely about production; it also involves efficient distribution, storage, and utilisation of food resources. Despite increased production, millions of Bangladeshis still face food insecurity due to poverty, unequal distribution, and post-harvest losses.

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 ranked Bangladesh 84th out of 127 countries, indicating a "serious" level of hunger. While this is an improvement from previous years, the country continues to struggle with malnutrition, particularly among children and women. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 25 per cent of the population remains food insecure, with 10 per cent experiencing severe food insecurity. These statistics highlight the gap between production and access to food, underscoring the need for better storage and distribution systems.

One of the most significant contributors to food insecurity in Bangladesh is post-harvest losses. A study by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that Bangladesh loses approximately 10-15 per cent of its total food grain production annually due to inadequate storage facilities, poor handling, and inefficient transportation. For a country that relies heavily on agriculture, these losses are not just a waste of resources but also a missed opportunity to feed millions.

The annual wastage of food grains in Bangladesh is staggering. According to the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), the country loses around 4.5 million metric tonnes of food grains each year, worth an estimated $1.5 billion. This wastage occurs at various stages of the supply chain, from harvesting to storage and distribution. For instance, traditional storage methods, such as open-air granaries and jute sacks, are highly susceptible to pests, rodents, and moisture, leading to spoilage and contamination.

The lack of modern storage facilities is particularly acute in rural areas, where most of the farming takes place. Farmers often have no choice but to sell their produce immediately after harvest at low prices, as they lack the means to store it safely. This not only deprives them of fair returns but also disrupts the supply chain, leading to price volatility and food shortages during off-seasons.

Investing in modern storage facilities can play a transformative role in addressing these challenges. Proper storage infrastructure can significantly reduce post-harvest losses, stabilise food prices, and ensure a steady supply of food throughout the year.

We can have a string of benefits by building more storage facilities in Bangladesh.

Modern storage facilities, such as silos and cold storage units, can protect food grains and agricultural produce from pests, rodents, and environmental factors. By minimising spoilage, these facilities can help preserve the nutritional value of food and ensure that more of it reaches consumers.

One of the main reasons for price volatility in Bangladesh is the lack of adequate storage capacity. When farmers are forced to sell their produce immediately after harvest, the market becomes flooded, leading to a drop in prices. Conversely, during the off-season, the scarcity of food grains drives prices up. Storage facilities can help balance supply and demand, ensuring stable prices and reducing the risk of food inflation.

By enabling farmers to store their produce and sell it at favourable prices, storage facilities can significantly improve their incomes. This, in turn, can boost rural economies and encourage investment in agriculture, leading to higher productivity and better food security.

Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and droughts, which can disrupt food production and supply chains. Storage facilities can serve as a buffer during such emergencies, ensuring that food is available even in times of crisis.

In addition to food grains, Bangladesh produces a variety of perishable agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Cold storage facilities can help preserve these products, reducing wastage and opening up new opportunities for farmers to diversify their income sources.

To address the storage gap and ensure food security, the government of Bangladesh must take a proactive approach.

The government should prioritise the construction of modern storage facilities, including silos, warehouses, and cold storage units, across the country. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be leveraged to mobilise resources and expertise for this purpose.

To encourage farmers to use storage facilities, the government can provide subsidies or low-interest loans for the construction of on-farm storage units. Additionally, incentives can be offered to private investors to build and operate storage facilities in rural areas.

Farmers and supply chain stakeholders should be trained in best practices for post-harvest handling and storage. This can help reduce losses and improve the overall efficiency of the food supply chain.

Advanced technologies, such as temperature-controlled storage and blockchain-based supply chain management, can enhance the efficiency and transparency of storage facilities. The government should promote the adoption of these technologies through policy support and funding.

Storage facilities should be designed to withstand natural disasters and equipped with backup power systems to ensure uninterrupted operation during emergencies.

Building more storage facilities for food grains and agricultural produce is not just a matter of economic efficiency; it is a moral imperative for a country like Bangladesh, where millions still struggle with hunger and malnutrition. By reducing post-harvest losses, stabilising food prices, and improving farmer incomes, modern storage infrastructure can play a pivotal role in ensuring food security and sustainable development. The time to act is now. The government, private sector, and international development partners must come together to invest in this critical area and secure a brighter, food-secure future for Bangladesh.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com