USDA Announces $34 Million Investment in Climate Resilience

A recent Bangladesh Bank study reveals that farmers are the primary risk-takers in the agricultural value chain, especially for essential items like rice, potatoes, onions, eggs, and broiler chicken. Conducted across 14 districts, the study attributes price increases mainly to supply shortfalls caused by seasonal factors, reduced cultivation areas, floods, and pest attacks. Unlike intermediaries who secure fixed margins, farmers face fluctuating profits or losses depending on market conditions.

In FY2023–24, Bangladesh produced 68.84 lakh tonnes of maize from 6.42 lakh hectares, with FY2024–25 targets set at 71.60 lakh tonnes from 6.51 lakh hectares. Despite high yields of 35–45 maunds per bigha (1 maund ≈ 37 kg), farmers in districts like Lalmonirhat and Rangpur face falling prices—now Tk 28–29 per kg, down by Tk 2–3 from last year—while production costs rose to Tk 11–13 per kg or Tk 14,000–16,000 per bigha.

Bangladesh's tea exports jumped 57.55% in 2024, reaching 2.45 million kilograms and generating Tk45.96 crore in revenue. This marks a strong recovery from previous years when export volumes had dropped below 1 million kgs.

At a Chattogram meeting, local business leaders and politicians urged the government to prioritize domestic investment support alongside its foreign direct investment (FDI) push. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) Chairman announced a $3 billion FDI target for three port projects, including Laldia Container Terminal and two Bay Terminal expansions, with agreements expected by September.

In 2024, net foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh fell to a five-year low at $1.27 billion, extending a downward trend that began after the 2021 post-pandemic surge. The drop—a 13.25% decrease from 2023—was highlighted by declining equity inflows and a sharp fall in reinvested earnings.

Bangladesh is drawing increasing interest from foreign investors, especially in technology and digital services, according to Mike Orgill, Uber’s Asia-Pacific head of public policy. He credits this to the government’s openness, proactive engagement with international businesses, and improvements in the investment climate. The recent Bangladesh Investment Summit attracted significant investment proposals and signaled the country’s eagerness to foster global partnerships.