Bangladesh’s Green Future: Assessing the Scope of Organic Agriculture for Sustainability

A collaborative study by the Department of Crop Science and Technology at Rajshahi University, the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Kagoshima and Saga Universities of Japan, and the Graduate University of Advanced Technology in Iran examines how Bangladesh can balance agricultural productivity with ecological preservation. Titled "Assessing the Potential and Limitations of Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture in Bangladesh," the research highlights that while synthetic fertilizers have historically ensured high yields and food security, their overuse has degraded soil health, disrupted nutrient balance, and polluted ecosystems. The authors argue that organic farming, built on compost, animal manure, crop residues, and microbial inoculants, offers a long-term solution by restoring soil fertility and promoting sustainable food systems.

From Green Revolution to Soil Depletion

Bangladesh's agricultural journey, the study explains, shifted dramatically after the 1950s. Once reliant on traditional organic inputs such as cow dung and bone meal, the country's embrace of ammonium sulphate and other chemical fertilizers revolutionized crop yields. The establishment of the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation in 1961 further accelerated this change. However, these gains came at a steep price: the nation's soils are now suffering from organic matter depletion, nutrient imbalances, and acidification. As fertilizer prices rise globally, smallholders find it increasingly difficult to sustain chemical input costs. The study calls for a renewed emphasis on integrated nutrient management, blending organic and synthetic fertilizers, to maintain productivity while revitalizing soil health.

Environmental and Health Gains from Going Organic

Drawing on meta-analysis from 56 international studies, the paper shows that organic farming increases soil microbial activity by 32–84%, organic carbon by 19%, and total nitrogen by 13% compared with conventional farming. These biological gains translate into better soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient cycling. The authors also link organic farming to human health benefits. Organic foods are richer in antioxidants and bioactive compounds that reduce the risks of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Children raised on organic diets show lower rates of allergies and eczema, while consumers experience less pesticide exposure and reduced risk of antibiotic resistance. Moreover, substituting chemical fertilizers with organic ones can cut nitrogen runoff by up to 45% and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Such results, the authors argue, make organic agriculture not just a farming method but a climate adaptation strategy.

Challenges on the Ground

Despite its promise, organic farming in Bangladesh remains a minor component of the agricultural sector. Adoption is low due to poor access to quality organic inputs, lack of training, and the absence of a national certification framework. Many farmers use traditional composts without proper nutrient balancing, leading to inconsistent results. The study points out that organic produce rarely commands premium prices because of weak market linkages and inadequate consumer awareness. Policy neglect also plays a major role, while the National Agriculture Policy acknowledges sustainability goals, government incentives still overwhelmingly favor chemical fertilizers. The authors note that small farmers are reluctant to risk yield losses during the transition period, especially without subsidies or secure markets.

The Way Forward for Sustainable Growth

To make organic farming viable, the researchers propose a multi-level reform strategy. They urge the government to establish a National Organic Certification Authority, support composting infrastructure, and provide credit facilities for smallholders. Extension services must train farmers in composting, vermiculture, and integrated pest management, while research institutions should expand long-term field trials to refine crop-specific organic formulations. Case studies from Bangladesh already demonstrate encouraging results: combining poultry manure, compost, or biochar with reduced chemical fertilizer increased rice, maize, and jute yields by up to 17 percent, while improving soil texture and reducing input costs. The study concludes that Bangladesh's future agricultural success depends on blending innovation with ecological wisdom. If supported by research, policy, and consumer awareness, organic farming could secure the country's food needs while safeguarding its natural resources.

In their final assessment, the authors describe organic agriculture as "not a luxury but an ecological necessity." It is, they argue, the most practical route to achieving a balance between food production and environmental stewardship. Bangladesh's fertile soils and resilient farmers give it a natural advantage, but turning potential into progress will depend on political will, institutional backing, and sustained public awareness. With thoughtful intervention, the study envisions a future where organic and conventional systems coexist, creating a greener, healthier, and more sustainable agricultural model for generations to come.