Investing in organic fertilisers for restoring ecosystems, youth employment and reduce emissions
While Bangladesh’s agricultural growth has surged, its reliance on chemical fertilizers has caused significant environmental and health concerns. Exploring the potential of organic fertilizers presents a promising solution to these challenges
Over the past five decades, agriculture in Bangladesh has seen substantial growth, with grain production increasing from 14 million to 39.1 million tonnes, vegetable production from 0.6 million to 21.5 million tonnes, and fruit output from 0.5 million to 13.4 million tonnes.
The livestock and fisheries sectors have also experienced extraordinary expansion. However, the Green Revolution that drove this growth has come with severe environmental and health costs. Over-reliance on synthetic inputs has led to the degradation of agro-ecosystems, soil health, and biodiversity, with increased mono-cropping, groundwater depletion, and a decline in agricultural knowledge.
Soil health is integral to both ecosystem function and human health. Poor soil conditions, caused by the overuse of chemical fertilisers, diminish agricultural yields and the nutritional quality of food, ultimately jeopardising food security. Soil's mineral content is vital for human health, influencing everything from gut function to overall well-being. One long-term solution lies in promoting the use of organic fertilisers, especially by engaging youth and women in the sector, to ensure sustainable agriculture, healthier soils, and improved public health.
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Soil health in Bangladesh: A grim picture
Soil health in Bangladesh is a growing concern, with the organic matter content in croplands showing a drastic decline. A report by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) indicates that the organic matter level in 75% of cultivated land is now below 1%, a sharp drop from the 2.5-3.0% average seen after independence. Over time, the increasing application of chemical fertilisers has weakened soil structure, accelerating erosion and further depleting soil health.
Farmers' fertiliser trends
Six decades ago, farmers in Bangladesh applied only 8.8 kg of chemical fertiliser per hectare. Today, this figure has risen to over 700 kg per hectare, a 75-fold increase. Bangladesh is one of the top global users of synthetic nitrogen, with over 160 kg of nitrogen applied per hectare. This excessive use has been driven by both policy support and a lack of awareness about the long-term impacts. Chemical fertilisers, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), are heavily subsidised by the government, leading to overuse and further soil degradation.
Policy impacts on fertiliser use
Government policies over the years have prioritised chemical fertilisers over organic alternatives. National fertiliser guidelines have consistently encouraged the use of NPK fertilisers, leading to an almost sixfold increase in fertiliser-related expenditure between 2020 and 2023. This has further boosted reliance on fossil fuels and perpetuated environmental damage. The use of synthetic fertilisers also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with 1 kg of urea fertiliser emitting 11.27 kg of CO2 equivalent.
It is essential to reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers and adopt more sustainable alternatives like organic fertilisers. Organic fertilisers, derived from natural materials such as manure, compost, and food waste, enhance soil structure and fertility, improve microbial activity, and ensure long-term sustainability. Unlike synthetic fertilisers, organic options release nutrients gradually, improving soil resilience and plant growth.
Contrary to common misconceptions, organic fertilisers are rich in essential nutrients. Research confirms that materials like cattle compost, vermicompost, and chicken waste are packed with macro and micronutrients. Organic fertilisers provide all 17 vital nutrients for soil and plant health, along with beneficial microorganisms that enhance biodiversity and improve soil fertility. These organic inputs offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilisers, supporting healthy ecosystems and sustainable agriculture.
Organic fertiliser availability in Bangladesh
Estimates suggest that Bangladesh requires 60–62 million tonnes of solid organic fertiliser annually for 75% of its agricultural land. With the country producing 160–170 million tonnes of raw material annually from sources like animal manure, urban waste, and agricultural residues, there is ample potential for organic fertiliser production. However, much of this valuable material remains underutilised, highlighting the need for better waste management practices and infrastructure development.
Empowering youth and women in organic fertiliser production
The growing interest among Bangladesh's youth in agriculture presents a unique opportunity to revolutionise the sector. By engaging youth and women in organic fertiliser production, the country can drive sustainable agricultural practices and create new employment opportunities. Empowering these groups not only enhances agricultural productivity but also supports broader societal and economic transformation.
Modernising fertiliser production
The organic fertiliser industry in Bangladesh is still in its infancy, with many producers operating on a small scale. However, there are signs of progress, with 40–55 companies producing commercial organic fertilisers. Vermicompost production has also surged, with thousands of small-scale producers generating substantial quantities. To modernise the sector, the government should create a comprehensive framework for organic fertiliser production, quality improvement, and distribution. This includes the use of information technology to track production and supply chains, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
Attracting investment in organic fertiliser production
To scale up organic fertiliser production, Bangladesh needs to attract large, medium, and small investors. Large investors should be incentivised to produce 20,000 tonnes or more annually, with support in the form of subsidies, land leases, and access to low-interest loans. Medium investors, who can produce 2,000 tonnes annually, would benefit from similar incentives, while small-scale producers should receive targeted support to increase production capacity. Local municipalities can provide free organic waste, and rural entrepreneurs could be encouraged to set up small-scale fertiliser plants.
Government support and subsidies
The Bangladeshi government can support the growth of the organic fertiliser industry by reallocating a portion of NPK subsidies to promote organic alternatives. A direct subsidy for organic fertilisers or the provision of incentives for producers could stimulate production and make organic fertilisers more affordable. The government should also consider adopting models used in other countries, such as South Korea and Bhutan, which have successfully integrated organic fertiliser promotion into their agricultural policies.
The global context and fertiliser imports
Bangladesh imports a significant portion of its synthetic fertilisers from countries like Russia, China, and Qatar. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has disrupted global fertiliser trade, leading to price instability and increased dependence on foreign imports. By promoting the use of organic fertilisers, Bangladesh can reduce its reliance on costly and unstable imports, strengthening its agricultural sector and ensuring long-term sustainability.
To facilitate the adoption of organic fertilisers, Bangladesh must develop a comprehensive database of stakeholders, from producers to users. The Department of Agricultural Extension can spearhead efforts to promote organic fertilisers through outreach programmes, while GPS data can be used to monitor agricultural lands and provide customised fertiliser recommendations. Collaboration between research institutions, private companies, and government bodies will be crucial to advancing organic fertiliser production technologies.
To ensure sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental protection, Bangladesh must shift towards organic fertilisers. This transition will require substantial investment in infrastructure, policy reform, and the active participation of youth and women in the sector. By adopting sustainable farming practices and prioritising organic fertilisers, Bangladesh can enhance soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build a more resilient agricultural system that supports long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
