In a promising shift for food security and rural livelihoods, coastal Bangladesh is transforming its fallow lands into productive farms through crop diversification. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has recently launched a project as part of its Sustainable Farming Program. This initiative started on 21 acres of land that had not been used before, focusing on the growth of maize and groundnuts. Barguna and Patuakhali districts. Coastal Bangladesh, which makes up nearly one-third of the countryโs agricultural land, often struggles with soil salinity, waterlogging, and erratic rainfall. These difficulties result in 30โ50% of agricultural land remaining unused during the dry season. But this new initiative is proving that with the right crops and techniques, even the most difficult land can thrive. The pilot program focused on growing maize and groundnutsโtwo crops that are well-suited to the regionโs conditions. Farmers in Amtali and Kalapara upazilas reported strong yields and lower input costs compared to traditional crops like mung beans. Mosarref Hawlader, a farmer from the area, shared, โThis season, I planted groundnuts for the first time and got amazing results.โโIt requires less labor and cost. I am hopeful for a good profit.โ To highlight the achievements, IRRI held Farmersโ Field Days. During these events, more than 120 farmers and representatives from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) came together to see the outcomes and discuss effective methods.The events highlighted how crop diversification can boost income, reduce climate risk, and make better use of underutilized land. This initiative is also creating new opportunities in agritech and education. Local startups are developing tools to help farmers monitor soil moisture and plan optimal sowing times. Meanwhile, agricultural students are working on smart irrigation systems and post-harvest storage solutions to support these new crops. Md. Rasel, the Upazila Agriculture Officer in Amtali, highlighted the wider significance: โTo achieve profitable farming, it is crucial to intensify and diversify crops. Groundnut is very promising in this area, and there is a high demand in the market.โ Looking ahead, IRRI plans to scale up the program by offering post-harvest training, improving market access, and encouraging community-based farming. These steps aim to build a more resilient and productive agricultural system in the coastal region. By unlocking the potential of fallow lands, Bangladesh is not only increasing food production but also empowering farmers with new skills and income sources. Itโs a powerful example of how innovation and collaboration can turn challenges into opportunities.
