A single ear of paddy represents more than a crop. It reflects quality seeds, timely irrigation, adequate fertiliser, the tireless efforts of farmers and, above all, a nation's food security. As paddy stalks sway in farmers' fields, the quiet efforts of many institutions work behind the scenes.
One of the key institutions supporting this process is the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).
BADC was established on 16 October 1961. It is no coincidence that World Food Day is observed worldwide on 16 October, making the day not only BADC's founding anniversary but also an important occasion to reaffirm its broader commitment to agriculture, food production and food security.
Over the past six decades, BADC has evolved into a multifaceted agricultural service provider. Through the production, preservation and distribution of quality seeds, the provision and expansion of irrigation facilities, and the import and distribution of quality fertilisers, the corporation continues to play an important role in ensuring that agricultural inputs reach farmers' doorsteps.
At the time of its establishment, agriculture in Bangladesh faced numerous constraints. Limited access to quality seeds, inadequate irrigation facilities and shortages of agricultural inputs posed major obstacles to production. Over time, the country's agricultural needs have grown and farming practices have evolved. BADC has adapted its activities to these changing demands while continuing to support farmers.
A key partner in achieving seed self-sufficiency
BADC began its operations in 1962–63 by supplying approximately 13.8 tonnes of seeds. Its seed production and supply gradually increased over the years. In the 2025–26 fiscal year, BADC produced 144,000 tonnes of seeds and distributed 147,000 tonnes to farmers, covering various crops, including rice, wheat, maize, potatoes, jute, pulses, spices, vegetables and oilseeds.
Quality seeds are one of the key inputs for increasing crop production. To produce and distribute high-quality seeds to farmers, BADC operates 34 seed production farms, 10 horticulture development centres, 14 agro-service centres, 92 contract farming zones, 65 seed processing centres, 30 potato seed cold storage facilities, eight tissue culture laboratories and 100 seed sales centres.
BADC works with 105,775 contract farmers who produce and supply quality seeds with its seeds and technical support. Its research cell has registered 40 high-yielding and promising crop varieties. To address climate change, BADC also prioritises the production, processing, storage and supply of stress-tolerant seeds resistant to salinity, drought and waterlogging.
Decades of irrigation management
BADC introduced modern irrigation and agricultural mechanisation in Bangladesh in 1961–62 through the deployment of 1,555 power-operated pumps.
Irrigation plays a crucial role in Bangladesh's agriculture. Irrigation-dependent farming, particularly during the dry season, helps maintain stable food production across the country. BADC is now placing particular emphasis on water-efficient irrigation technologies, increasing the use of surface water to reduce dependence on groundwater, maintaining environmental balance and lowering irrigation costs.
BADC works with 105,775 contract farmers who produce and supply quality seeds with its seeds and technical support. Its research cell has registered 40 high-yielding and promising crop varieties. To address climate change, BADC also prioritises the production, processing, storage and supply of stress-tolerant seeds resistant to salinity, drought and waterlogging.
The corporation is also implementing initiatives to alleviate waterlogging, excavate and re-excavate canals, construct surface and underground irrigation channels, build crop protection embankments and irrigation infrastructure, install power-operated pumps, rehabilitate deep tubewells, construct small check dams across hill streams, and install solar-powered irrigation pumps and dug wells.
Through the implementation of various projects, BADC brought 22,000 hectares of land under irrigation and expanded irrigation facilities in the 2025–26 fiscal year. During the same period, it excavated or re-excavated 820 kilometres of canals, constructed 662 irrigation structures and 49 kilometres of crop protection embankments, installed 161 solar-powered irrigation pumps, built 50 polyhouses, established 478 rainwater harvesting facilities and alleviated waterlogging across 130 hectares of land.
BADC's success in fertiliser management
Fertiliser is a key agricultural input for increasing crop yields. BADC began selling fertilisers, promoting their use and training farmers in 1960–61. By 1962–63, it was distributing around 50,000 tonnes and had established a nationwide marketing network through upazila-level sales centres.
In FY2025–26, BADC imported 2.627 million tonnes of non-urea fertilisers, including triple superphosphate (TSP), muriate of potash (MOP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP), and distributed 2.401 million tonnes, meeting 75.37% of the country's total demand. It imports these fertilisers through government-to-government agreements with Tunisia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia and Canada, while also helping build strategic reserves.
BADC distributes fertilisers at subsidised prices through approximately 10,815 dealers, supported by 148 warehouses and 50 sales centres across 64 districts under 21 regional zones. Its warehouses have a combined standard storage capacity of 294,833 tonnes. Measures are under way to expand capacity and improve utilisation, helping farmers access quality fertilisers at government-fixed prices and on time.
New opportunities through special initiatives
The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) is undertaking several initiatives to modernise agriculture, improve resource efficiency and reduce import dependence.
Under the government's five-year plan to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals and channels nationwide, BADC is responsible for 9,000 kilometres. It re-excavated 820 kilometres in FY2025–26. The initiative aims to improve irrigation, increase surface water availability, reduce waterlogging, bring fallow land under cultivation, protect biodiversity and maintain environmental balance.
To reduce irrigation costs and dependence on diesel and grid electricity, BADC has proposed converting 50,900 diesel-powered irrigation pumps into solar-powered systems across 349 upazilas in 56 districts. The project is expected to generate 356 megawatts of electricity daily, connect 25,000 units to the national grid through net metering and save approximately Tk176.4 crore annually.
BADC has constructed 82 polyhouses nationwide and plans to build another 60 by June 2028. These controlled environments protect seedlings from extreme cold, heat and heavy rainfall while enabling year-round production of high-value vegetables, fruits and flowers. Water-efficient irrigation, fewer pest attacks and greater opportunities for women in agriculture also make polyhouse farming more sustainable.
To achieve self-sufficiency in jute seeds, BADC targets production of 2,210 tonnes in 2026–27, 3,300 tonnes in 2027–28 and 4,510 tonnes in 2028–29, before reaching 5,000 tonnes annually from 2029–30. Contract farming zones will be established in 10 districts, while a project to increase quality seed production and reduce imports awaits approval.
BADC has established a Vapour Heat Treatment and Hot Water Treatment Plant in Gabtoli, Dhaka, to improve the export readiness and shelf life of fruits and vegetables by eliminating pathogens. Since its first mango treatment on 6 July 2026, the facility has treated 8,620 kilograms for the domestic market and 12,080 kilograms for export. It also offers phytosanitary certification and packaging facilities.
To reduce dependence on imported hybrid maize seeds, BADC supplied the high-yielding B-3355 variety at affordable prices in 2025–26, when national demand reached 11,458 tonnes. It is also targeting 110 tonnes of summer onion seeds over three fiscal years. Production of 40 tonnes of the N-53 variety is under way, with annual output expected to reach 100–110 tonnes by 2030–31.
Together, these initiatives seek to strengthen domestic seed production, improve agricultural productivity and support sustainable growth in Bangladesh's agricultural sector.
Greater challenges lie ahead
Agriculture in Bangladesh is evolving beyond increased production to embrace food safety, climate resilience, water conservation, mechanisation, modern technology and better market management.
BADC's journey of more than six decades largely reflects the transformation of agriculture in Bangladesh. While food shortages were once a major challenge, the country has made considerable progress in agricultural production. Farmers remain the driving force behind this progress, but the role of institutions that ensure access to essential agricultural inputs and technologies is equally undeniable.
As BADC approaches its 65th anniversary, it is building on its legacy by modernising operations and responding to emerging agricultural needs. Alongside ensuring access to quality seeds, fertilisers and irrigation, the corporation is committed to strengthening the foundations of modern and smart agriculture, promoting sustainable production and ensuring food security.
Empowering farmers remains essential to a more prosperous Bangladesh. BADC will continue supporting farmers and advancing agricultural development through its commitment to service and innovation.
Under the leadership of Chairman Md Azizul Islam, the corporation also emphasises responsibility, accountability and transparency to strengthen its contribution to the country's agricultural sector.
Tahmina Rachi is the Joint Chief of Monitoring at Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Business Standard.