Unregulated, untested fertiliser use threatening soil health, food security: Experts
The warning came at a roundtable discussion titled “Soil to Sustainability: Promoting Regenerative Agriculture,” jointly organised by Heifer International Bangladesh, Daffodil International University and The Business Standard at the TBS office in Dhaka’s Eskaton Garden on 25 June
Experts and development practitioners, along with scientists and field-level professionals, have raised alarm over the declining health of Bangladesh's soil, citing untested and indiscriminate fertiliser use by farmers as a direct threat to sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and national food security.
The warning came at a roundtable discussion titled "Soil to Sustainability: Promoting Regenerative Agriculture," jointly organised by Heifer International Bangladesh, Daffodil International University and The Business Standard at the TBS office in Dhaka's Eskaton Garden on 25 June.
TBS Associate Editor Saleem Ahmed moderated the event.
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Begum Samia Sultana, director general, Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI)
We have comprehensive soil test data for every upazila and union, and these are being used at the field level through a software to guide fertiliser recommendations. But farmers often use fertilisers without proper knowledge or understanding. We want them to use accurate information available on our website or through union-level facilitators.
Our goal is to ensure that farmers know exactly what amount of fertiliser is needed for which crop and variety before they begin cultivation. We are always here to support our farmers. SRDI operates 24 permanent and 10 mobile soil testing labs and has introduced an online fertiliser recommendation system that provides crop- and location-specific guidance to farmers.
Nurun Nahar, country director, Heifer International Bangladesh
We have long neglected our soil – excessive pesticides, chemical fertilisers, and unscientific farming practices have all taken a toll, and we are now facing the consequences. Soil health is deeply connected not only to food and nutrition security but also to human and animal health. It is time we become more responsible towards our soil.
We urge collaboration across government agencies, NGOs, academia, development partners, and the media to create an integrated approach to soil preservation.
We have prepared a scientific report with the assistance of Daffodil International University, highlighting the current state and causes of soil conditions in Bangladesh.
Md Nazmus Shaydut Naheed, head of operations, Grameen Euglena
In Japan, where we export agricultural products under a public-private partnership model, food safety is the top priority. Without caring for the soil, food safety cannot be ensured.
Local farmers still cannot set the price of their produce independently and must rely on middlemen. In developed countries, farmer associations determine prices themselves. Strengthening farmer organisations here is essential.
Md Mamunur Rahman, chief scientific officer, SRDI
We must first stop the loss of farmland. Without land, all soil health efforts will be in vain. Farmers mostly use three types of fertilisers – urea, TSP, and MOP – often based on guesswork. "There is a common belief that more fertiliser equals more yield. But, without soil testing, overuse damages soil health, threatening agriculture and food security.
Shamol Biswas, soil entrepreneur
I have been farming for 20 years. I used to apply fertiliser blindly, but now I test the soil first. This has reduced my costs and increased my yield. Locals now refer to me as the "Soil Doctor." I received training at the Soil Resource Development Institute in Jashore, supported by Heifer International Bangladesh. This has significantly raised my awareness about soil quality. It is crucial to train more "soil doctors" like me so that farmers can easily understand soil properties and improve agricultural practices.
Dr Mohammad Issak, professor, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University
Our research titled "Exploring the Soil Health Conditions in Promoting Regenerative Agriculture in Jashore" highlights crucial recommendations for improving soil health and sustainable practices. We need multi-stakeholder collaboration – not just government efforts. A decentralised, accessible soil testing system at the union level is vital."
Advocated for developing skilled agri-entrepreneurs, incentivising best practices through awards like "Best Farming Practice" or "Soil Health Champion," and improving staff availability at grassroots levels. Soft loans and financial incentives could help farmers adopt eco-friendly methods.
Srity Rani Biswas, vegetable farmer
When I used to grow vegetables, I was not aware that healthy soil leads to better harvests. It is like how a healthy mother ensures a healthy child. Similarly, I have now understood, after receiving training, that good soil health is key to producing safe vegetables.
Before we knew about soil testing, we would apply 30 kg of fertiliser where only 20 kg was needed. That is why I am saying soil testing is essential.
For example, before testing, I used to plant bottle gourds in a particular area. But, after the soil test, I realised pointed gourd would thrive there. I planted pointed gourds instead, and it has been much more profitable. Bottle gourd is a three-month crop, while pointed gourd yields for 8 months. I urge the government to take initiatives to create more soil testing entrepreneurs.
Md Jahidul Islam, senior agricultural marketing officer, Department of Agricultural Marketing
If we want to ensure sustainable and safe food production, we must first protect soil health. Using fertilisers without soil testing is detrimental to our agriculture in the long run. The fertiliser recommendations provided by SRDI (Soil Resource Development Institute) should be widely and visibly displayed in important locations within every mouza, so farmers can easily find out what type of fertiliser is needed, when, and in what quantity.
Just as antibiotics are prohibited without a prescription, the amount of fertiliser a farmer needs should be based on a written recommendation from an agricultural extension officer. This cannot happen all at once; it needs to be implemented in phases.
By protecting our soil, we can produce quality goods and ensure product sustainability. At the same time, we can achieve both food safety and food security.
Another problem is that we cannot properly track the origin, transportation, and marketing process of products. It would be beneficial if there were testing facilities for fertiliser levels.
Dr Md Baktiar Hossain, member director, Natural Resource Management, BARC
One of the significant obstacles to soil health is the low usage of organic fertilisers. There was a time when Bangladesh had a population of 7 crore; now it is over 17 crore. Despite this, there is no longer a widespread food shortage. We do not see people starving in any part of the country, and our food production has increased dramatically.
This success is due to intensive agriculture, the development of new crop varieties, modern input management, and, crucially, increased farmer awareness. However, this intensive use – repeatedly cultivating the same land – has become a major cause of soil degradation. The soil is constantly deteriorating.
Soil fertility often declines if the fertiliser recommendations from SRDI are not followed, or if the same type of crop is cultivated repeatedly. We need to introduce crop diversity, rotating different crops.
For instance, after harvesting Aman paddy, we leave nothing behind in the soil. If we did, those residues would decompose and become organic fertiliser. But in reality, certain individuals collect these residues for fuel. This is a concerning issue that requires policy intervention to solve.
Ensuring the addition of organic matter, crop diversity, and overall soil health are the three key factors that will enable sustainable food production and safe agriculture.
Md Belal Uddin, director-training wing, Department of Agricultural Extension
To adapt to climate change, we must first ensure soil health. If we do not properly use agricultural inputs and fail to ensure the appropriate application of technology, farmers will not be able to produce crops effectively.
When I visited Jashore, I saw positive developments: farmers are producing seedlings in poly houses and drawing water using solar power. However, farmers need more advice on soil health. If they receive proper guidance, soil fertility and overall production will increase. For this, we need a coordinated effort from both the public and private sectors.
By standing with farmers and working together, we can advance this country's agriculture significantly.
Sakib MMI Chowdhury, trade adviser, Royal Danish Embassy
Denmark has been consistently cooperating with Bangladesh's Soil Research Department and other relevant organisations, and this collaboration will continue in the future. There is a long-standing, strong relationship between Denmark and Bangladesh, particularly through Danida (Danish International Development Agency), where Denmark has been working in Bangladesh's agricultural and development sectors for many years.
Our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) activities are conducted in coordination with the Bangladesh government. We have connections with every ministry, including those related to agriculture. We are keen to advance this cooperation and partnership well into the future.
Dr Syed Shahjahan Ahmed, deputy secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
Protecting soil health is now a demand of our time. Without healthy soil, farmers will suffer, and food security will be jeopardised. Our soil's fertility is gradually declining, with climate change being a significant contributing factor.
Agriculture is one of the key sectors included in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). If we cannot maintain soil health, the implementation of those plans will not be effective.
Currently, plastic is rampant across the country. Plastic accumulating in the soil breaks down into microplastics, which then enter the food chain. We might be managing these issues somehow today, but our future generations will face severe health risks.
This reality cannot be taken lightly. People across the nation must become vocal now to protect our soil and environment. If we cannot ensure suitable, fertile, and healthy soil for our farmers, then any agricultural project, be it NAP or otherwise, will ultimately fail.
