Accra:Declining nutritional quality in food crops, combined with soil nutrient depletion and limited dietary diversity, is emerging as a significant threat to public health in Bangladesh and globally. Millions of people face hidden hunger despite consuming sufficient calories.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a global research report has highlighted that the nutritional value of food crops worldwide is declining due to modern intensive agricultural practices and severe climate change. Although crop yields have increased, the concentration of essential micronutrients in rice, wheat, and vegetables has decreased by 20 to 50 percent. This decline leads to a form of malnutrition known as 'hidden hunger,' despite adequate calorie consumption.
The report, titled "Hollow Harvests Rebuilding the Nutritional Value of Crops in an Age of Abundant Calories," was published by Deep Science Ventures and the Marc Leonard Trust. The findings are supported by a 2026 meta-analysis from Leiden University, which shows that rising carbon dioxide levels are causing a reduction in protein, zinc, and iron levels in plants.
In Bangladesh, the crisis is particularly acute, with 44 percent of children and 57 percent of adult women suffering from severe zinc deficiencies, according to national surveys. The low nutrient density of high-yielding rice and a lack of dietary diversity contribute to these deficiencies.
The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and continuous cultivation have damaged soil health, affecting crops' ability to absorb nutrients. Reports indicate that 76.2 percent of Bangladesh's cultivable land suffers from nutrient depletion, with significant shortages of zinc, boron, and sulfur across millions of hectares.
International experts warn that less than three-quarters of bread-wheat varieties developed since 1960 meet zinc standards, affecting dietary guidelines. The World Health Organization and public health experts attribute rising rates of anemia and malnutrition to declining crop nutrition.
In response, the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute has introduced biofortified zinc rice varieties to meet daily zinc requirements. However, consumer preferences for polished rice reduce the benefits. Experts emphasize the need to change consumer habits and cultivate biofortified crops.
To address the issue, experts urge an overhaul of agricultural policies to focus on nutrient yield rather than just crop quantity. Encouraging diverse and traditional grains, along with regenerative farming practices, is deemed crucial for future food security.