The evolution of crop management is a continuous process in which efforts have been made over time to make the various aspects of Bangladesh's agriculture more effective, sustainable and environment-friendly. The stages are explained below.
Seven stages, 1960 to 2024
1. Green Revolution or agricultural revolution, 1960: The aim was to end food shortages, through improved seed varieties, fertiliser, pesticides and better irrigation. It brought a revolution in food production, but had negative effects on the environment and soil health.
2. Integrated pest control, 1970: The aim was to use combined strategies for pest control, bringing together chemical, biological and mechanical methods, to reduce pesticide use and protect the environment.
3. Economic threshold level, 1970: The aim was to decide at what level pesticide should be applied. Pesticide is needed only when pest numbers cross a set limit.
4. Integrated pest management (IPM), 1980: The aim was a sustainable way of controlling pests over the long term. IPM uses biological control (natural enemies), mechanical control (traps), cultural control (crop rotation) and chemical control (as a last resort) for eco-friendly, low-cost crop protection.
5. Integrated crop management, 2000: The aim was combined management of all elements of crop production, integrating land preparation, irrigation, fertiliser, pest and disease control and crop selection, for higher output and sustainable farming.
6. Good agricultural practices, 2022: The aim was safe food, farmer safety and environmental protection, through safe pesticide use, proper water and soil management and hygienic farming. It is the benchmark for producing farm goods to international standards.
7. Integrated farming systems management, 2024: The aim was combined management of crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry and more, creating several sources of income, eco-friendly and risk-reducing farming, and economic stability for farmers.
This evolution of crop management has made agriculture not just a food production system but a complete means of bringing environmental, economic and social stability.
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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