A recent call has been made to ease import barriers on irrigation machinery in Bangladesh, with stakeholders urging the government to revise existing customs regulations to better support the countryโs agricultural sector. The proposal highlights the need for more affordable and accessible equipment to help farmers increase efficiency and cope with changing climate conditions. During a policy discussion held in Dhaka, experts and agricultural development organizations stressed that current import duties and procedural delays are making it difficult for farmers and entrepreneurs to obtain modern irrigation systems. These include equipment such as solar-powered pumps, sprinklers, and drip irrigation kits, which are essential for sustainable water use and year-round cultivation. Irrigation remains one of the most critical components of Bangladeshโs agriculture. With over 70 percent of the countryโs rural population dependent on farming, ensuring access to modern, efficient irrigation tools is key to increasing crop yields and reducing vulnerability to droughts or water shortages. Stakeholders emphasized that easing customs barriers would not only lower costs for farmers but also attract more investment in agricultural technology. A simplified import policy could help local suppliers bring in better-quality products, while also encouraging technology transfer and innovation in the sector. The discussion also touched on the importance of energy-efficient irrigation. In many parts of Bangladesh, farmers still rely on diesel-powered pumps, which are costly and environmentally unsustainable. Promoting cleaner, low-energy alternatives through easier imports would align with the country’s long-term goals for climate resilience and food security. Representatives from farming communities shared that high prices for imported irrigation equipment often force smallholders to delay upgrades or depend on outdated systems. This affects productivity and limits their ability to expand cultivation during dry seasons. A more favorable import policy could allow broader access to tools that save water, reduce labor, and improve efficiency on small farms. The proposal encourages collaboration between public and private sectors to review tariffs, streamline customs clearance, and support awareness campaigns. It also calls for clearer guidelines to prevent unnecessary delays at ports and ensure that approved equipment reaches rural markets on time. As Bangladesh continues to modernize its agriculture, access to affordable irrigation technology remains essential. Easing the import process for such equipment is a step toward empowering farmers, increasing national food output, and building a more resilient rural economy.
