In 2024, severe droughts, floods, and cyclones disrupted agriculture in Bangladesh, damaging crops and increasing costs for fertilisers, seeds, and irrigation by 10-50%. Rising production costs, coupled with a surging dollar exchange rate (Tk 110 to Tk 129), drove food inflation above 13.8%, straining both farmers and consumers.
Despite declining global wheat prices, domestic consumers saw no relief due to dollar volatility and weak market monitoring. Poultry, fisheries, and livestock sectors also suffered from escalating input costs. Experts warn that recurring climate shocks and high costs threaten farmers’ profits and consumer affordability.
Farm economist Prof. Golam Hafeez Kennedy emphasized compensating farmers, while Rezaul Karim Chowdhury urged the government to utilize the UN’s loss and damage fund for climate-related impacts. Consumer advocate SM Nazer Hossain called for stricter market regulation and targeted support for vulnerable populations.
Experts urge coordinated policy measures to address climate impacts, soaring costs, and inadequate market oversight, ensuring protection for farmers and consumers in 2025.
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