By Suvayan Neogi
Bangladesh and India derive their sustainability in economic growth and development from agriculture to a large extent but the contribution of this sector in the gross domestic product (GDP) of these countries in the last decade has declined.
After the reform on trade liberalization, they have not experienced significant growth in agricultural sector. Both Bangladesh and India suffer from uneven food production caused by low yields and faulty marketing and distribution system. It is observed that there exists a significant gap between demand and supply of High Yielding Varieties (HYV) seeds in both the countries.
To merge this gap, people residing in the border areas of India and Bangladesh have automatically developed informal markets. The reasons for the growth of these informal markets are proximity, quicker delivery, social and ethnic language, similar agro-climatic conditions and food habits. Further, it has also happened due to non-tariff barriers, policy related issues, domestic policy distortion and political aspects.
Appropriate policy regime for ensuring adequate supply of HYV rice seed through domestic production and also trade are the key solutions. Increased trade and cooperation in agricultural inputs, especially in HYV rice seeds between Bangladesh and India can also be the possible and effective way to ensure the accessibility and availability. In addition, creation of adequate infrastructure, ensuring timely availability and accessibility to quality inputs, could lead to better scenario in both the countries. Read More…