BANGLADESH (7 May)
In late April, storms and floods in north-eastern Bangladesh killed 90 people and injured more than 3 000, displaced about 100 000. Some 500 000 acres of rice crops almost ready for harvest were damaged by floods. Government has distributed more than 130 tonnes of rice to the affected people.
Harvesting is completed for the 2004 winter wheat crop planted in November 2003. The output of this season is estimated at 1.3 million tonnes, down from 1.5 million tonnes last year, due to area shifted to potato, boro, maize, and mustard which are more profitable. The government has decided to take proactive steps from next season to increase production of wheat by increasing high-yielding seeds and mechanization, and by improving crop management.
Total paddy production in 2003 is officially estimated at record 39.9 million tonnes, 5.6 percent higher than the previous year and 13 percent more than the average for the previous five years. Harvesting of 2004 Boro rice crop, accounting for almost 45 percent of total annual rice production and planted in November through January started in April and the yield was estimated lower due to low rainfall from November to March.
The agriculture sector is a key to economic growth, accounting for around 30 percent of gross domestic product. Bangladesh will triple farm subsidies to more than US$150 million in the next budget year starting 1 July from the present US$50.83 million to boost production and maintain economic growth. The subsidies would be given for irrigation and seeds.
Due to a marked rise in cereal production, cereal imports, including food aid, are estimated to decline from 3.5 million tonnes in 2002/03 to 2.7 million tonnes in 2003/04, and are forecast down to 2.4 million tonnes in 2004/05.