Accra:Bangladesh has embarked on an ambitious plan to increase its cotton production from 2.24 lakh bales to 19 lakh bales by 2050. This initiative aims to expand cotton cultivation across 53 of the country's 64 districts, as announced by government officials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Cotton Development Board (CDB) has outlined short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to achieve this growth. The executive director of CDB, Md Rezaul Amin, stated that the board plans to produce 5 lakh bales of lint cotton within four years, 10 lakh bales by 2040, and 19 lakh bales by 2050, increasing the cultivation area to 2 lakh hectares.
Among the new districts targeted for cotton production are Moulvibazar, Hobiganj, Cumilla, and Chattogram. Currently, Bangladesh is heavily reliant on imports for its cotton needs, ranking as one of the largest global importers due to its significant ready-made garment (RMG) industry. The local production presently satisfies only 3 to 4 percent of the national demand, which stands at approximately 8 million bales annually.
The CDB plans to focus on expanding cotton cultivation in various terrains, including high charland, the northwestern Barind region, and other less fertile or drought-prone areas. Additionally, cotton could potentially be grown alongside other crops such as vegetables and spices.
The plans were discussed in a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and agriculture ministry officials, with a recommendation for prompt action to reduce import costs. The CDB has a historical background of developing cotton research, with efforts dating back to 1976 and the establishment of key research facilities to support the local textile industry.
Dr. Md Gazi Golam Mortuza, a soil nutrition and water management specialist at CDB, emphasized cotton's potential as a profitable cash crop, noting its economic benefits for farmers. However, CDB officials indicated a need for more expert manpower to implement these plans, as the organization currently operates with fewer staff than the approved posts. Furthermore, cotton cultivation is noted for maintaining soil health compared to other crops like maize.
In the fiscal year 2025-26, Bangladesh spent Tk 80,000 crore (US$6.51 billion) on importing 7.3 million bales of raw cotton and yarn, highlighting the financial impact of the current dependency on imports.