Are we going to eat buildings?

It has been said that if anyone spits out a seed while eating a fruit, it will grow. This saying, often mentioned by our ancestors, signifies the fertility of Bangladesh's soil. However, the later generations may find it difficult to pass down this saying to their successors due to the ongoing loss of fertility and agricultural land in Bangladesh, which should concern any rational-thinking civilian.

Bangladesh is a country of rivers. The mighty rivers Ganga and Brahmaputra have been carrying silt with their waters for thousands of years, and as a riverine country, this silt has dispersed across the land. It is the secret behind the fertility of Bangladesh's soil.

This fertility, combined with our farmers' hard work and high-yielding crops, has ensured today's food security. However, the “food security” status is questionable as our nation's dependency on imported crops is increasing. Losing agricultural land every year may put us at a total risk of food security complacency, making it a matter of national concern.

Every district is affected by this issue, with no intervention in sight. In the near future, this man-made agricultural-ecological disaster could lead to even more dependency on imported food products.

Bangladesh is already importing food products like pan, sajna, kachur loti, and coconuts, which were once commonly grown here without much care. The alarm must be sounded; otherwise, there will be buildings and barren lands but no space or sufficient cultivatable soil for agriculture.

The main causes of losing agricultural land are unplanned urbanisation, brick-making, digging ponds for commercial fishing, and pesticide use. Farmers, investors, and other individuals are largely unaware of this concerning issue. However, for those who are aware—such as the agriculture ministry, land ministry, environmental officials, and the government's policymakers—ignorance could be considered a crime. They have the authority to raise awareness among citizens and take necessary actions to save precious land. Bangladesh already lacks a standard rate of forestation, and in this scenario, the loss of agricultural land could lead us into a deep crisis.

To me, the most concerning department regarding this matter should be the agriculture ministry. They must ensure that their voices are heard regarding the loss of land, both within parliament and among farmers. Farmers need to be informed about the risks of contaminating soil with harmful pesticides.

Additionally, topsoil should not be excavated for commercial purposes; agricultural land should be reserved solely for agriculture. Parliament members also need to understand the importance of preserving such valuable land and not take it for granted. Laws must be enacted to protect it, and violators should face punishment or fines.

The population and the need for standard housing are both increasing. Once the land was used for cultivating paddy, jute, or vegetables; now bricks and iron have replaced it for housing. Perhaps the house owners, who were once dependent on the land's cultivated crops, now have to buy food from shops.

This scene is being multiplied from generation to generation, resulting in the loss of land. The government must act immediately to implement planned urbanisation by building multi-storied buildings with standard facilities. In every district and upazila, government-built housing facilities can be made available for purchase or rent at an affordable price.

This calculated and rational use of land and resources can be ensured. While this may sound revolutionary or even utopian, this model is already in use in other parts of the world.

In addition to this, alternatives to bricks must be invented and popularised. Engineers and researchers cannot ignore this crisis. Eco-friendly house building techniques and lessons must be taught in engineering universities. Moreover, the importance of topsoil should be prioritized in textbooks at all levels. The future generation must understand its value.

Bangladesh is opening its doors to foreign investors and attracting them with dedicated economic zones. To make this happen, thousands of acres of agricultural land are being used for export processing zones.

Additionally, multiple development projects have been implemented, and some are still under construction. While the owners of these lands are receiving compensation, the government must have a backup plan to transform other land into agricultural land, where crops can be grown.

Recently, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged everyone to cultivate something on every inch of land, leaving no area empty. This directive should also gain popularity among countrymen and opinion leaders, and local parliament members must work to make it happen.

Bangladesh became independent through the blood and sacrifices of millions of people. It is not a gift or grant, but hard-fought land. Let us not forget this, and protecting agricultural land can be a movement to show respect to the sufferers and martyrs of the liberation war. In this month of independence, let us take a vow to value this golden land.

The writer is a TV Journalist. He can be reached at [email protected]