Fields to Feasts: Climate Challenges and Ramadan Traditions

Historic Connection of Ramadan and Agriculture: Ramadan in Bangladesh intertwines deeply with socio-agricultural practices, where farming aligns with religious traditions. Boro rice, contributing 55% of the nation's total rice production, is harvested during April-May, coinciding with Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. However, climate change is disrupting these cycles. Studies from the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute reveal erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and salinity intrusion, reducing Boro yields by up to 15% in vulnerable areas. Rising temperatures, as observed in a study, could impair wheat and potato yields by over 60%. Additionally, flash floods and tidal surges damage crops and soil fertility. The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan projects a 30% decline in agricultural productivity by 2050 without adaptive measures. Innovations like salt-tolerant rice varieties and Climate-Smart farming techniques are being adopted to mitigate these impacts. Ramadan traditions now symbolize resilience amid shifting agricultural landscapes.

Shifting Seasons, Shifting Traditions: Over the decades, climate change has drastically altered Bangladesh's agricultural ecosystem, disrupting traditional food production timelines. Rising sea levels have accelerated salinity intrusion, affecting vast swathes of arable land, particularly in coastal regions. Researches reveal that lentils and wheat, two staples often used in Ramadan meals, have shown declining yields due to increased soil salinity and erratic weather patterns. Meanwhile, heavy monsoon rainfall has caused waterlogging, reducing harvest efficiency for crops like chickpeas. A 2021 survey by the International Rice Research Institute found that salinity-prone areas have experienced up to a 10% drop in total agricultural output. Innovative solutions, such as the introduction of flood-resistant lentil varieties and improved drainage systems, are being explored to combat these challenges. Such efforts are critical to safeguarding food security during Ramadan and preserving agricultural traditions amid the mounting pressures of climate variability.

The Human Cost: Climate-induced displacement in Bangladesh has escalated significantly, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reporting that approximately 200,000 people are displaced annually due to climate impacts, particularly from farming communities. Rising sea levels and salinity intrusion have rendered vast areas of arable land unusable, forcing families to abandon agricultural livelihoods. This displacement disrupts traditional Ramadan and Eid celebrations, as economic hardships limit their ability to afford festive essentials. Seasonal food price hikes exacerbate the issue; a study by the World Food Programme (WFP) revealed a 58% increase in food costs for low-income households over two years. Supply chain disruptions and reduced crop yields, driven by erratic monsoon patterns and extreme weather events, further strain vulnerable communities. Innovative measures, such as salt-tolerant crops and improved irrigation systems, are being explored to mitigate these challenges. Addressing climate impacts is crucial to preserving the cultural and economic stability of Ramadan and Eid festivities.

Data Driving Awareness: Climate change is reshaping Bangladesh's agricultural ecosystem, impacting both livelihoods and festive traditions. Boro rice, contributing over half of the nation’s rice supply, faces productivity threats due to salinity intrusion and unpredictable rainfall. A 2023 study by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute showed that drought-tolerant and short-duration rice varieties increased yields by 20% in areas facing climatic stress. However, food price volatility during Ramadan exacerbates these challenges. According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, essential items like chickpeas and lentils saw price hikes of up to 40% in the past year, while cooking oil costs surged by 30%. Such increases strain low-income families, limiting their ability to enjoy traditional iftar meals and Eid celebrations. Addressing these issues requires innovative agricultural measures and supportive policies to secure food access for vulnerable communities during these sacred occasions.

Adaptation in Action: Bangladesh is making remarkable progress in adopting Climate-Smart agricultural methods to address climate challenges. Innovative practices such as agroforestry and precision farming are gaining popularity, helping to improve land productivity and minimize resource use. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has introduced solar-powered irrigation systems to over 350,000 hectares of farmland, reducing dependency on erratic rainfall. In coastal regions, floating seedbeds and salt-tolerant crop varieties, such as BRRI dhan78, are transforming saline-affected lands into arable fields, with yields increasing by 25% in pilot projects.

Policy and Community Resilience: Bangladesh is integrating policy interventions with cutting-edge AI and machine learning (ML) tools to bolster agricultural resilience against climate change. The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, a 100-year adaptive delta management framework, safeguards food security through sustainable water and land use, countering an anticipated 30% agricultural productivity decline by 2050. The Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy enhances this approach by promoting drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation, benefiting over 500,000 farmers.

Advanced AI-powered climate models now enhance weather forecasting, helping farmers make informed decisions. ML-driven pest detection and IoT-based smart irrigation systems optimize crop health and water use. Satellite-based remote sensing monitors soil moisture and salinity, supporting flood and drought management aligned with the Delta Plan. Blockchain-based supply chain tracking ensures fair pricing and reduces post-harvest losses. Predictive analytics aid policymakers in designing targeted subsidy programs for vulnerable farmers.

During Ramadan, urban remittances stabilize rural incomes, while grassroots innovations like floating gardens and salt-tolerant rice strengthen food security. AI-driven market analytics ensure fair trade pricing, mitigating climate-induced economic fluctuations. By fusing AI, ML, IoT, and blockchain with adaptive policies, Bangladesh is leading a data-driven, Climate-resilient agricultural revolution, securing both food security and cultural heritage.

A Hopeful Horizon: As Bangladesh faces the intertwined challenges of climate change and agriculture, Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr remain symbols of resilience and adaptation. These cherished festivals unite families and communities, emphasizing the need to sustain agricultural abundance despite growing climate uncertainties. However, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and soil salinity are disrupting crop cycles, affecting the availability of staple Ramadan foods such as rice, vegetables, and fruits.

The Rising Cost of Festivities: Adding to these challenges, price hikes during Ramadan and Eid place a burden on both urban and rural consumers. According to market reports, the price of onions surged by over 100% during Ramadan in 2023, while edible oil and sugar saw a 30-50% increase due to heightened demand and supply chain inefficiencies. Farmers, however, often do not benefit, as middlemen control over 60% of agricultural trade, absorbing most profits. Addressing these imbalances requires improving post-harvest storage, reducing food waste (which accounts for nearly 30% of perishable produce), and strengthening rural market linkages.

A Path to Stability: Climate-Smart solutions are vital for stability. Drought-tolerant rice varieties, capable of increasing yields by 20-30% under stress conditions, and drip irrigation, which improves water efficiency by 50%, are crucial. Expanding cold storage facilities, currently insufficient to meet demand, covering less than 10% of perishable goods, could prevent supply disruptions and price surges.

Balancing Tradition and Adaptation: Socially, urban income disparities and rural agricultural uncertainties shape festival experiences. For farmers, Eid represents both hope and hardship, as they strive to earn enough while battling climate risks. Strengthening adaptive agriculture, empowering grassroots initiatives, and fairly distributing profits along the value chain can uphold the joy, abundance, and resilience of Ramadan and Eid for generations to come.


Dr. Shahrina Akhtar is Technical Specialist & Research Adviser at Krishi Gobeshona Foundation.