Analysis of the Problems and Minimization Initiatives Addressed by Bangladeshi Farmers During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic is heavily impacting not only the health sector but also every economical sector all over the world. Bangladesh is among the major agriculture production-based economies and is suffering greatly during this pandemic. This paper presents the current agricultural situation in Bangladesh based on a survey involving various pools of experts. It also visualizes the strategies used to assess the competency of initiatives aimed at minimizing the problems faced by farmers in Bangladesh arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 117 expert agricultural personnel in Bangladesh (75.27% male and 24.73% female). Twenty-eight problems were identified that are faced by the farmers of Bangladesh arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these, twenty two were severe while six were less so. It was found that problems relating to product wastage, low product-level pricing, the absence of traders, and transportation issues were identified as top ranking. Twenty-six initiatives were introduced and adopted by different organizations in Bangladesh to minimize agricultural problems arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these, five were highly effective and the remainder moderately so. It was found that initiatives related to government directives and financial support were identified as the top ranked. Based on analysis of data, this paper concludes with several suggestions aimed at minimizing the problems faced by farmers in Bangladesh arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.