Increase innovation in agriculture
Bangladesh’s southern region is one of the most vulnerable areas of the world in terms of global warming. The negative impact of the rise in temperature is already evident there. The rise of the sea level is causing higher tides in the rivers of the region. The normal height of the tide was 2.85 centimeters in the rivers down south for decades. However, it has touched 4.22 centimeters since 2004, resulting in salinity intrusion in farmlands and habitats of the people.
Increased saline in the croplands has adversely affected the agriculture in the area. According to a research of the soil resource development institute of Barishal, 394,180 hectares of arable land in the division, out of total 741,310 hectares has been affected by excessive salinity. The salinity level of the land sometimes hits 16-18 deci-Siemens whereas the acceptable rate is 8 deci-Siemens for producing paddy. This research speaks volume about how climate change is adversely affecting the agriculture sector of the region.
Climate change has also increased the risk of cyclones like Sidr and Aila. A 2013 World Bank report forecasted that the country will experience increased temperature and decreased monsoon rain as well as torrential rain within a short period of time.
Another report said that as many as 8 million people of Bangladesh are living in high risk circumstances of climate change. The number of vulnerable people might reach 13.5 million within 2050, the report warned.
It is a matter of hope that the southern districts are doing well in agriculture sector despite all these setbacks. According to Barishal divisional agriculture office, rice production in six districts of the division has seen a gradual increase in last three years. Total Aman production of FY2016-17 was 1586,343 tonnes. It increased to 1738,595 metric in the following fiscal year. In the next year, the production of this specific variety had reduced a bit due to inclement weather, but it rose again to 2144,226 tonnes in FY2018-19.
Other rice varieties such as Aush and Boro have also seen increased production. Post Sidr, the farmers of the region are cultivating Aush paddy with huge success. Boro production is also increasing along with the seasonal ‘rabi’ crops.
People’s indomitable spirit, hard labour, resilience and persistence in the face of adversity are the factors behind these success stories. Also, creative innovation of scientists and researchers, introduction of new technologies, increase in crop varieties and proper use of land have also paved the way to success. We have to increase innovation, keeping in mind the reality of the ever worsening impact of climate change. The government and private sectors should take planned initiatives to this end.