Crop and fodder production rises, but output of pulses and some cash crops declines
Output increased from 42,46,074 tonnes in FY2023–24 to 48,72,939 tonnes in FY2024–25
Significant changes in agricultural production have been observed between the 2023–24 and 2024–25 fiscal years. According to crop statistics published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Thursday (18 December), while strong growth has been recorded in cereals and fodder crops, production of several pulses and certain cash crops has declined.
BBS data show a major improvement in winter maize production. Output increased from 42,46,074 tonnes in FY2023–24 to 48,72,939 tonnes in FY2024–25. Alongside the expansion of cultivated land from 10.6 lakh acres to 11.18 lakh acres, yield also rose significantly, with per-acre production increasing from 4,003 kg to 4,356 kg.
At the same time, fodder crop production recorded a sharp surge. Winter fodder output nearly doubled, rising from 2,92,220 tonnes to 5,59,875 tonnes.
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Notable progress in vegetables and spices
Production in the vegetable and spice sectors also increased. Onion production rose from 29,17,354 tonnes to 32,21,437 tonnes. Cauliflower output increased from 4,29,670 tonnes to 5,79,344 tonnes. Cabbage production also saw strong growth, rising from 4,50,023 tonnes to 6,36,009.86 tonnes.
Among leafy vegetables, red amaranth production increased from 72,713 tonnes to 76,140 tonnes. Among seasonal fruits, watermelon recorded the largest jump in production, rising from 5,81,677 tonnes to 19,81,231 tonnes.
Decline in pulses and some cash crops
However, the picture is not positive across all sectors. Among pulse crops, chickpea production fell from 5,048 tonnes to 4,455 tonnes. Lentil production also declined, dropping from 1,84,000 tonnes to 1,68,000 tonnes.
In addition, production of both local and high-yielding varieties of mustard decreased from 11.18 lakh tonnes to 10.6 lakh tonnes. Output of a tobacco crop group known as "Jati" also fell, from 11,101 tonnes to 9,582 tonnes.
Overall, agricultural statistics indicate that while the country's capacity in food grain and fodder production has increased, output of pulses and some cash crops has contracted.
