A significant contributor to Bangladesh’s economy, agriculture employs around 35.27% of the workforce and contributes approximately 11.55% to the national GDP. The conventional farming techniques used are facing sustainability challenges due to heavy reliance on synthetic fertilizers and excessive water consumption. Currently, Bangladesh relies on imports for 80% of the 6.9 million tons of fertilizers used annually. Furthermore, 90% of the country’s groundwater is utilized for agricultural purposes, leading to water scarcity in regions like Rajshahi, Naogoan, Natore, Dinajpur, and Jashore districts.
The adoption of Precision Agriculture (PA) presents a viable solution to these pressing issues. PA leverages advanced technologies to boost crop production efficiency while minimizing waste and environmental impact. Tools such as sensors, drones, satellites, and GPS-equipped machinery allow farmers to monitor their fields effectively. Soil sensors, for instance, measure moisture levels, enabling precise irrigation and reducing water consumption by 30-40%. Drones and satellites capture crop images to identify diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies, aiding in targeted interventions. Additionally, GPS and sensor data pinpoint field variations, enabling optimized fertilizer application that reduces waste and dependency on imports.
Furthermore, soil health sensors track pH levels, nutrient content, and organic matter to guide soil enhancement efforts. By providing real-time data on soil conditions like moisture, pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity, PA assists in determining plant water stress and nutrient needs, empowering farmers to make informed decisions. This data is analyzed using software and AI algorithms to optimize irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide application. Automation of these processes streamlines resource allocation, reducing labor costs. Ultimately, PA enhances resource efficiency, boosts productivity, and minimizes environmental impact.
Conventional rice farming practices, particularly the flooded irrigation method, create anaerobic soil conditions that release methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Rice farming in Bangladesh accounts for 21% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Moreover, the widespread use of diesel-powered irrigation pumps releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide and harmful particles, deteriorating air quality in rural areas and contributing to climate change. These unsustainable practices also pose health risks by creating breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes, increasing the prevalence of illnesses such as dengue and malaria.
The adoption of Alternative Wetting and Drying (AWD), an innovative irrigation method introduced by IRRI and the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), has emerged as a sustainable water management practice in Bangladesh. Integrating PA technologies with AWD can further enhance efficiency and sustainability in rice cultivation. By leveraging both methods, water usage can be reduced by 30-40% and fertilizer management optimized by 20-30%, resulting in a significant reduction in methane emissions. This approach can also support climate change mitigation efforts and boost rice yields by 10-20%. Additionally, soil moisture sensors can accurately determine irrigation needs, preventing over-irrigation and reducing diesel consumption. Implementing AWD more effectively ensures that fields are flooded only when necessary, conserving water and curbing methane emissions.
Research conducted in various countries, including the US, India, and the Netherlands, showcases the potential of PA to minimize chemical runoff and decrease water usage by 20-40%, safeguarding the environment and crop yields.
To realize these benefits, pilot projects should be initiated to implement PA directly in practical settings. These projects can include farmer training programs and demonstration farms to illustrate the advantages of these technologies. Farmers can receive hands-on training in precision agriculture from government agricultural offices at the upazila level.
Prominent startups such as Aunkur, iFarmer, and Drip Irrigation BD Ltd are at the forefront of precision farming, offering IoT sensor-based services to farmers. These startups play a crucial role in bridging the technology gap and can serve as valuable partners in scaling up PA nationwide.
Strategic partnerships involving the Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation, BRRI, and other agricultural institutions can be forged to create incentives and support mechanisms for the widespread adoption of PA. By fostering collaboration among the government, industry, and farmers, Bangladesh can embrace precision farming to build a more resilient, sustainable, and productive agricultural sector.
Precision agriculture is indispensable for Bangladesh to bolster food security, reduce expenses, and tackle climate change challenges. Through investments in technology, training, and policy reforms, Bangladesh can revolutionize its agricultural sector into a model of efficiency and sustainability.