Organic food and relevant issues

The organic food market has been growing steadily in the local market, thanks to the health consciousness and income growth of consumers. Harmful impacts of chemical fertilizers on human health are also prompting the organic food market growth both locally and internationally. Not in Bangladesh alone, the whole world is leaning toward chemical-free food gradually. As per the data of Globe Newswire, the global organic food market was valued at $ 167.85 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $ 368.94 billion by 2026. According to Bangladesh Organic Products Manufacturers Association, some 28,494 acres of land are being cultivated for organic farming in Bangladesh. Besides, around 600 members of the association are involved in the business. Given the growing popularity of organic food and the importance of health issues, it is time for the government to go for enacting regulations to promote and regulate the market of organic food so that consumers are not cheated, and tapping huge foreign markets are possible.

According to data of the Department of Agricultural Extension, 37,422 metric tonnes of pesticides were used in the last fiscal year across the country. In addition, the survey data of the Save the Environment Movement conducted in 2013 found 94 per cent of mangoes and 100 per cent blackberries and litchis sold in the market were soaked in formalin.

The horrifying data on pesticides and formalin being applied indiscriminately for producing and marketing agricultural products must be taken into account when it comes to caring for human health. Indiscriminate use of chemical and pesticides pose serious health risks, causes cancer, and damage liver functions badly. According to Bangladesh Organic Production Manufacturing Association, five criteria are mainly required for organic farming. First, the land has to be chemical-free for at least three years. Second, ten metres of land need to be chemical-free. Third, fertilizer must be eco-friendly. Fourth, irrigation should be safe as well. Fifth, seeds have to be organic. Now a question arises whether any mechanism exists in the country to certify organic foods? Is there any authority to regulate, promote, or even fix criterion for announcing any foodstuff organic?

A report published in this daily on Thursday focussed on the expanding organic food market, and imperatives to regulate the sector, and providing fiscal incentives to help export organic food from Bangladesh to foreign markets.

According to Ajbinur Islam, manager of Kazi and Kazi Tea Estate Limited, they are exporting green tea to 12 countries. He observed that there is no strict policy in the organic market. Dr. Sheikh Nazrul Islam, director of, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Dhaka, opined that the use of chemical fertilisers have a long-term impact on human health.

Sensing the pulse of the health-conscious individuals, organic food makers including many a new start-up are capitalizing on the situation and the market is ballooning. The growing trend of e-commerce, f-commerce, and lifestyle changes have seen organic food consumption grow by 15 per cent annually. Currently, organic products including vegetables, fruits, dairy, dried vegetables, fruit juice, fish, instant food, healthcare products, baby food, soymilk, soy food, food supplements, nutrition supplements are available in the market.

The research data titled “Organic Food in Bangladesh and how do different customers react to organic food market” published on ResearchGate in 2015 explained that gender, age, education, and income level all influence the decision to purchase organic food.

Organic products have found a niche in the global market including America, England, Japan, and many other European countries. Some major items including cashew nuts, tea, sweet potatoes, fish and soybean, vegetables, and fruits are on the export inventory.

Huge potentials lie for the organic food market in local and overseas markets. A policy is needed to ensure food products being sold under the tag of organic foods are genuinely organic.