Published: 12:00 AM, 05 November 2026
Very Few Youths Want Farming as a Career Though Bangladesh Is an Agrarian Country
Sarwar Chowdhury
Bangladesh is an agrarian country where agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of the economy. For centuries, farming has provided food, employment, and livelihoods for millions of people. However, a growing number of young people are losing interest in agriculture and choosing careers in other sectors. Despite the country's dependence on farming, very few youths want to take up agriculture as a profession. This trend has raised concerns about the future of food security, rural development, and the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
One of the main reasons behind young people's reluctance to pursue farming is its low social status. Many young people consider farming an occupation for the poor and uneducated. They believe that working in offices, banks, factories, or multinational companies offers greater respect and a better future. As a result, educated youths often seek white-collar jobs rather than returning to their villages to cultivate land. This negative perception of farming has become a major obstacle to attracting young people to agriculture.
Another important reason is the uncertainty of agricultural income. Farmers in Bangladesh frequently face financial difficulties because of unpredictable weather, floods, droughts, cyclones, and other natural disasters. Crop production depends heavily on seasonal conditions, and a single disaster can destroy an entire harvest. In addition, farmers often struggle to obtain fair prices for their products. Middlemen frequently take a significant share of the profits, leaving farmers with limited earnings. Consequently, many young people view farming as a risky and unprofitable occupation.
The rising cost of agricultural production also discourages young people from entering the sector. Fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, irrigation, machinery, and labor have become increasingly expensive. Small and marginal farmers often lack sufficient capital to invest in modern agricultural technologies. Many young people from farming families therefore prefer to seek employment in cities or abroad rather than continue their parents' traditional occupation. They believe that a salaried job provides greater financial security and a more predictable future.
The education system also plays a role in this problem. Most educational institutions in Bangladesh emphasize academic achievement and preparation for conventional jobs. Agricultural education and practical farming skills receive relatively little attention in many schools and colleges. Students are rarely encouraged to consider agriculture as a modern, technology-driven profession. As a result, many educated young people fail to recognize the opportunities available in agricultural entrepreneurship, food processing, agricultural technology, and agribusiness.
Urbanization and migration have further contributed to the decline in youth participation in farming. Every year, thousands of young people leave rural areas for cities such as Dhaka, Chattogram, and Gazipur in search of employment. Some work in garment factories, construction, transportation, and service industries, while others pursue higher education. Many also migrate abroad to improve their economic conditions. This movement of young people away from villages has reduced the availability of agricultural labor and increased the average age of farmers.
Despite these challenges, agriculture remains essential to Bangladesh's economic and social development. It supplies food to a large population, provides raw materials for industries, and supports rural livelihoods. The country has achieved considerable progress in rice production, fisheries, livestock, and vegetable cultivation. However, the agricultural sector may face serious difficulties if young people continue to abandon farming. An aging farming population could reduce productivity and make it harder to adopt modern technologies.
To address this problem, the government should take effective measures to make farming more attractive to young people. First, farmers should receive fair prices for their products through improved market systems and reduced dependence on intermediaries. Government support should include affordable agricultural loans, crop insurance, subsidies for essential inputs, and financial assistance for young agricultural entrepreneurs. These measures could reduce the risks associated with farming and encourage young people to invest in the sector.
Second, modern agricultural technology should be introduced more widely. Mechanized farming, precision agriculture, improved irrigation systems, drones, and digital market platforms can make agriculture more productive and profitable. Training programs should be organized to help young people develop practical skills in these areas. Agricultural universities, technical institutions, and research organizations can play an important role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
The government and private sector should also create opportunities for young people to establish agricultural businesses. These may include commercial farming, poultry production, dairy farming, fish cultivation, organic agriculture, food processing, and agricultural product marketing. Access to land, investment, training, and reliable markets would help young entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. Successful young farmers could also serve as role models for others.
In addition, the social image of farming must change. Agriculture should be recognized as a respectable and economically valuable profession. Schools and colleges can organize agricultural fairs, farm visits, and practical training programs to introduce students to modern farming. Media campaigns highlighting successful agricultural entrepreneurs could inspire young people to consider farming as a promising career.
Bangladesh cannot achieve sustainable development without a strong agricultural sector. Although the country has made significant progress in agriculture, the growing disinterest of young people remains a serious concern. Farming should no longer be viewed merely as a traditional occupation but as a modern, innovative, and profitable profession.
The future of Bangladesh's agriculture depends largely on whether the younger generation can be encouraged to participate in it. With proper government support, modern technology, financial opportunities, and a change in social attitudes, farming can become an attractive career choice for young people. If the country can transform agriculture into a dynamic and rewarding profession, it will not only ensure food security but also create employment opportunities and strengthen the national economy.
Sarwar Chowdhury writes on geopolitical standings and contemporary matters.
