ACI driving agricultural growth through seed innovation

As someone deeply involved in Bangladesh's agricultural sector, I have witnessed remarkable progress over the past three decades. Yet, despite these achievements, we still face critical gaps in production that force us to rely on imports. I believe that with the right focus on quality seeds, sustainable fertilizers, and farmer education, we can transform our agriculture into a self-sufficient and export-ready sector.

Seeds are, in fact, the foundation of agriculture. They account for only 2–3% of a farmer's total investment in a crop. Yet, even a small additional investment of 1% in quality seeds can increase yield by 40–60%. Quality seeds are not just about higher productivity—they also address specific environmental conditions. For example, farmers working with saline soils need salt-tolerant varieties, while those in haor areas, where crops often go underwater, require submergence-tolerant seeds. Often, farmers mistakenly use seeds unsuited for their soil or region, leading to poor results despite using good-quality seeds.

To meet these needs, we must ensure farmers get adaptive, high-yielding varieties suitable for their specific conditions. Unfortunately, this is where Bangladesh still lags. Research institutions produce valuable seed materials, but due to weak extension services and limited communication, these innovations often don't reach farmers' fields. Even when farmers use quality seeds, they may fail to get optimal results if fertilizers are misapplied. Overuse or improper dosing of fertilizers damages soil health and hinders nutrient absorption, limiting crop performance.

When it comes to seed innovation, most of the progress has been driven by the private sector. Currently, around 90% of seeds come from private companies, either through imports or localized adaptations. However, only about 10% originate from private research efforts. I believe this figure could be raised to 50%, making seeds far better suited to local conditions. To achieve this, private companies need support in building research and laboratory capacity. If the government provided zero-interest, short- and long-term loans to 20–30 companies, we could unlock a wave of innovation that would directly translate into higher yields.

At the same time, we must address the challenge of uncertified seeds. Many farmers still rely on uncertified or locally sourced seeds because of poor communication and a lack of awareness. Government extension systems often encourage farmers to produce their own seeds, which, while cost-effective, disincentivizes them from adopting higher-quality certified seeds. 

I believe the government should promote certified seeds—especially those developed by the private sector—and carefully monitor the seeds distributed through their own supply chains to ensure farmers are not misled.

At ACI, we are committed to bridging these gaps. We have established a state-of-the-art molecular laboratory staffed by PhDs working on innovative seed development. Our portfolio now includes 35 varieties of vegetables, and our seeds account for 40% of the watermelon and bottle gourd cultivation in the country. 

We recently introduced two high-yielding wheat varieties capable of producing 5.5 metric tons per hectare—more than double the traditional yield. These varieties also boast higher gluten and protein content, improving both quantity and quality.

We have also developed rice varieties like Chinigura that, unlike traditional types, can grow in the Boro season and yield 6.5 metric tons per hectare compared to the usual 2 tons. However, bringing these breakthroughs to farmers requires more than research—it demands effective extension. We are working through our dealer networks, dedicated extension teams, and digital platforms to reach even remote farmers. Yet, with stronger government support in promoting these seeds, farmers could benefit far sooner, avoiding delays of five to seven years.

Beyond seeds, we are equally focused on fertilizers and sustainable farming practices. Bangladesh's soil suffers from low organic content, so we have become the largest supplier of organic fertilizers, produced from city waste, vegetable residues, and potato leaves across 20 locations nationwide. We also provide bacteria-based fertilizers to improve root health and soil quality, as well as foliar fertilizers that support flowering and fruiting. By combining organic inputs with precise application, we aim to reduce overuse and rehabilitate soil health for long-term sustainability.

We are acutely aware of climate change challenges too. Bangladesh's agriculture is highly vulnerable to salinity intrusion, flooding, and erratic weather. At ACI, we are developing climate-resilient seeds capable of withstanding such stresses, while also offering fertilizers that help crops recover quickly after climate events. These initiatives ensure our farmers are better equipped to face tomorrow's challenges.

Government subsidies also play an important role in supporting farmers. While subsidies on nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and diesel are essential, they remain limited. Key inputs like foliar fertilizers and mechanization solutions lack support despite their importance. Globally, subsidies are common, and I believe expanding them to cover these areas would not only ease farmers' costs but also drive faster adoption of modern farming practices.

Looking ahead, I am optimistic about Bangladesh's future in agriculture. With continuous R&D, particularly in rice, wheat, and corn, we can dramatically improve yields. If we raise average rice yields from the current 4.5 tons per hectare to 7–8 tons, we could meet domestic demand using just half the current land under rice cultivation. The remaining land could then be used for crops we currently import—like wheat, edible oil, and sugar—moving us closer to self-sufficiency.

In fact, I envision a future where Bangladesh not only feeds its 180 million citizens entirely through domestic production but also emerges as a regional agricultural exporter. With sustained investment in research, farmer education, and supportive policies, I am confident this transformation is possible—perhaps even within the next decade.