Decline of Agricultural Land in Bangladesh and the Role of Vertical Farming in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Bangladesh, traditionally an agricultural country, is witnessing a continuous decline in agricultural production due to the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses. This trend poses a significant threat to food security and sustainable development, directly impacting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Factors Contributing to Agricultural Land Loss

1. Population growth
2. Urban development
3. Industrial expansion
4. Infrastructure projects

These factors have led to the degradation of cultivable land, with an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 hectares of arable land converted annually for non-agricultural purposes.

Current Status and Future Projections

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Bangladesh’s arable land decreased by approximately 30% from 1980 to 2020, dropping from nearly 10 million hectares to about 7 million hectares.
• The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reports an annual loss of around 8,750 hectares of agricultural land due to urbanisation and infrastructure development.
• Experts warn that if this trend continues, Bangladesh may lose almost all cultivable land by 2050, threatening food security for its population of approximately 170 million people.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Reduced agricultural land jeopardizes food production and nutrition security.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Increased reliance on food imports may lead to unsustainable consumption patterns.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Loss of agricultural land may exacerbate vulnerability to climate change impacts.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Land degradation threatens biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Vertical Farming as a Sustainable Solution

Vertical farming emerges as a promising, space-efficient, and sustainable agricultural practice that can address the challenges posed by shrinking arable land. This innovative method aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting sustainable urban agriculture.

Definition and Technology

• Vertical farming involves growing crops in stacked layers within controlled environments such as buildings or shipping containers.
• Technologies include hydroponics (soil-less nutrient-rich water cultivation), LED lighting to simulate sunlight, and automated monitoring systems for plant health and resource supply.
• Controlled climate conditions ensure optimal light, humidity, temperature, and air quality, enabling year-round production without pesticides.

Benefits for Bangladesh

1. Maximizes food production in limited urban spaces such as rooftops and unused areas in cities like Dhaka.
2. Reduces dependence on food imports, enhancing national food security (SDG 2).
3. Uses 70-95% less water compared to traditional farming, supporting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
4. Minimizes environmental impact by eliminating pesticide use and reducing land degradation (SDG 15).

Challenges and Opportunities

• High initial costs for lighting, systems, and energy infrastructure.
• Successful models exist internationally, including the United States and Japan, demonstrating feasibility with adequate investment.
• Potential for small-scale trials, commercial partnerships, and government subsidies to promote adoption in Bangladesh.

Enhancing Agricultural Technology Literacy

To support the transition towards modern agricultural practices such as vertical farming, improving technological literacy among farmers is critical, addressing SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

• Research indicates that nearly 89% of farmers over 25 years old lack knowledge of artificial intelligence and modern agricultural appliances.
• Short-, medium-, and long-term extension programs are necessary to educate farmers on:
• Modern farm equipment
• Effective pest management
• Soil fertility maintenance using organic additives
• Promotion of biofertilizers to reduce land degradation caused by harmful chemicals and pesticides.

Policy Recommendations and Coordination

1. Implement need-based training and literacy programs for farmers to increase adoption of sustainable technologies.
2. Develop long-term strategies to prevent the conversion of arable land for non-essential economic projects.
3. Enhance coordination among government agencies to raise awareness about land degradation and food security risks.
4. Encourage investment in vertical farming infrastructure through subsidies and public-private partnerships.

Conclusion

Bangladesh faces a critical challenge in preserving its agricultural land and ensuring future food security. Integrating vertical farming into the national agricultural framework offers a sustainable and innovative solution that supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Immediate action involving investment, education, and policy reform is essential to secure the country’s food future and promote sustainable development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses the decline in agricultural land and production in Bangladesh, threatening future food security.
   • Vertical farming is proposed as a sustainable solution to increase food production despite land scarcity.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Vertical farming uses 70-95% less water compared to traditional agriculture, addressing water efficiency.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article highlights the need for modern agricultural technologies such as vertical farming and AI in agriculture.
   • Emphasizes innovation and infrastructure development for sustainable farming.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Urban development is causing loss of arable land; vertical farming in urban spaces like rooftops can mitigate this.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Promotion of biofertilisers and reduction of harmful chemicals to prevent land degradation.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Concerns over land degradation and loss of cultivable land due to urbanization and industrialization.
   • Calls for sustainable land management and preservation of arable land.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through sustainable practices.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors including agriculture.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste to minimize their adverse impacts.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture (Indicator 2.4.1).
   • Changes in arable land area over time (implied by data on hectares lost annually).
   • Food import dependency ratio (implied by concerns over reliance on imports).
2. SDG 6 Indicators
   • Water use efficiency in agriculture (Indicator 6.4.1), implied by water savings in vertical farming.
3. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP (implied by the need for investment in vertical farming technology).
   • Number of farmers trained in modern agricultural technologies (implied by extension programs).
4. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Proportion of urban population living in slums or informal settlements (implied by urban expansion and land use changes).
   • Area of urban green spaces or urban agriculture (implied by rooftop vertical farming).
5. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Number of policies promoting sustainable use of chemicals and fertilizers (implied by promotion of biofertilisers).
6. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area (Indicator 15.3.1), implied by land degradation statistics.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: thedailystar.net