Published: 12:20 AM, 11 August 2026
People's Exodus to Dhaka Causes Agricultural Hazards in Villages
The continuous migration of rural people to Dhaka in search of jobs, better education and improved living conditions is creating serious problems for agriculture in villages. While the capital attracts thousands of people every year, the steady exodus from rural areas is leaving villages short of agricultural workers and putting the country's food production at risk. For generations, agriculture has been the main source of livelihood for rural communities. Farmers depend heavily on family members and local labourers during planting, harvesting and other agricultural activities. However, many young people are now leaving their villages for Dhaka and other urban centres. As a result, the number of people available to work in the fields is declining. One of the immediate consequences is a shortage of agricultural labour. During peak farming seasons, farmers often struggle to find workers. Those who remain in the villages demand higher wages because of the shortage.
Consequently, the cost of cultivation is increasing, while many small farmers find it difficult to make a profit. The migration of young people is also creating an age-related problem in rural agriculture. Many experienced farmers are elderly, while the younger generation is increasingly reluctant to continue farming. They often consider agricultural work physically demanding, uncertain and less profitable than urban employment. If this trend continues, traditional farming knowledge may gradually disappear. Another major concern is the abandonment of farmland. Some families that move to Dhaka leave their agricultural land uncultivated or lease it to others. In certain areas, productive farmland is being converted into houses, shops, roads and other structures.
Such changes reduce the amount of land available for food production and may create long-term environmental problems. Experts believe that rural-to-urban migration cannot be stopped simply by restricting people's movement. Instead, the government should create better employment opportunities in villages and small towns. Farmers need access to affordable agricultural machinery, modern technology, quality seeds, irrigation facilities and fair prices for their crops. Agricultural work should also be made more attractive to young people through training, financial incentives and modern farming techniques. At the same time, developing rural industries and improving education and healthcare facilities can reduce excessive pressure on Dhaka. If people can earn a decent income while remaining in their villages, they will have fewer reasons to migrate permanently to the capital.
