Youth or bust: The critical need for youth to transform agriculture in Bangladesh

Agriculture has long been the backbone of Bangladesh's economy, feeding nearly 170 million people and sustaining millions of livelihoods. Its contributions go beyond food security—agriculture remains a cultural and economic pillar, accounting for 11.5% of the country's GDP.

Yet beneath this foundation lies an alarming trend: young people are turning away from agriculture, and the consequences are dire for a sector that underpins rural livelihoods and socio-economic stability.

The declining interest in agriculture

Labour force statistics paint a concerning picture. In 2010, 19% of the employed workforce was engaged in agriculture, but this fell to 15.7% by 2022. Among young people, the decline is even more pronounced—48.8% of the youth labour force worked in agriculture in 2010, dropping to just 41% by 2022.

Young agricultural workers earn 30-40% less than their peers in industry and services, making farming a less attractive career choice

Even more troubling, only 2.6% of youth with vocational training specialise in agriculture, exposing a major skills gap. Additionally, 84% of young agricultural workers have no more than a primary or secondary education, limiting their ability to adopt modern techniques. On top of this, their average earnings lag 30-40% behind those in the industrial and service sectors (LFS 2022). The statistics are concerning, but the emptying fields tell an even starker story—a silence of unrealised potential, as a generation turns away from agriculture.

Why are young people leaving?

Farming is often perceived as labour-intensive and unprofitable. Limited training opportunities and a lack of technological advancement make it a less attractive career choice. Meanwhile, as Bangladesh's economy shifts towards services and industry, agriculture is left with a substantial labour shortage. This shift has also led to a growing skill mismatch, as many young people train in fields with limited job prospects.

Yet the irony is that the future of agriculture depends on this very generation. Modern farming is no longer just about tilling the soil and waiting for rain—it is an advanced, technology-driven industry. Imagine drones hovering over fields, mapping every inch to optimise yields, soil sensors providing real-time data to farmers' smartphones, or a young entrepreneur growing hydroponic vegetables on a rooftop farm. This is agriculture today, and young people must be at the forefront of its transformation.

Bridging the generational gap

Many rural farmers still use the same methods their ancestors did. While these techniques may be reliable, they are inefficient and struggle to meet the demands of a growing population and changing climate. Their children, often university graduates, hesitate to take up farming—not out of disrespect, but because they see it as stagnant, unprofitable, and disconnected from the innovation they value. This generational divide is not just a family dilemma—it is a national crisis in the making. Who will till the land tomorrow? Who will feed the nation in the years ahead?

The path forward: modernising agriculture

The answer lies in modernisation. Industrialised agriculture blends traditional practices with advanced technology, making farming a dynamic and profitable industry. However, this requires fresh energy, new mindsets, and a willingness to innovate. Young people, with their digital skills and adaptability, are best suited to lead this transformation.

They can harness drones for crop monitoring, use AI to predict weather patterns, and apply precision farming techniques to maximise efficiency. Beyond the fields, they can integrate agriculture with the broader economy by strengthening supply chains, boosting productivity, and creating jobs in sectors like food processing and logistics. Acting as a bridge between tradition and progress, young people can turn agriculture into a hub of innovation.

Rethinking agriculture for the next generation

Engaging young people in agriculture requires more than awareness campaigns or financial incentives—it demands a complete reimagining of the sector. One area of opportunity is export diversification. Currently, Bangladesh's agricultural exports are limited to raw produce. Young entrepreneurs, with their knowledge of technology and global markets, can introduce value-added products like organic processed foods and innovative agro-based solutions.

Countries like Vietnam have turned youth-driven agricultural reforms into global export successes. India's digital platforms connect farmers to markets, empowering them with real-time data and precision agriculture tools. There is no reason Bangladesh cannot follow suit.

However, innovation alone is not enough—it must be nurtured and supported. Local innovators and small mechanical workshops often develop solutions tailored to rural challenges but struggle to bring them to market due to a lack of institutional backing. With the right policies, investments, and platforms, these grassroots innovations could revolutionise agriculture, benefiting both farmers and future generations.

The role of government and institutions

Both the government and private sector must play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture into a modern industry. Public-private partnerships can expand access to grants and loans, encouraging young entrepreneurs to experiment with advanced farming techniques. Digital platforms can bridge the gap in agricultural education by offering virtual training and real-time assistance. Targeted incentives, such as tax breaks for agritech startups and subsidies for precision farming tools, can further drive youth participation.

Education also holds the key to changing perceptions of agriculture. Currently, formal schooling often sidelines agriculture as outdated and labour-intensive. This mindset must shift. Schools should integrate agriculture into curricula as a technology-driven and innovative field, inspiring young minds to view it as a viable career. Partnerships between universities and agribusinesses, along with vocational programmes focused on agritech, could prepare students for high-tech farming careers.

A cultural shift is necessary

Beyond education and financing, a cultural shift is essential. Agriculture must be recognised as a critical industry with real economic potential. Recognition follows action, and unless farming is reframed as a hub of technological innovation and entrepreneurship, outdated perceptions will persist.

Early adopters can serve as role models by showcasing success stories in agritech and agribusiness. Policy-driven initiatives, such as competitions, awards, and recognition programmes, could further inspire young people. Meanwhile, community awareness campaigns can help change societal attitudes towards farming.

It is a virtuous cycle—youth drive innovation, innovation gains recognition, and recognition reshapes public perception.

The future of agriculture lies in youth

The reality is simple: without youth, there is no future for agriculture in Bangladesh. They are the key to unlocking its untapped potential, shifting the sector from subsistence to prosperity. The question is not whether we should involve young people in agriculture—but whether we can afford not to. The time to act is now, and the seeds of transformation lie in their hands.

Md Jahid Ebn Jalal, Deputy Director, Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID). Sketch: TBS