ঢাকামঙ্গলবার , ২১ জুলাই ২০২৬
Bangladesh’s agriculture sector is currently facing multiple challenges, including climate change, rising production costs, labor shortages, and shrinking cultivable land. In this changing reality, the adoption of modern agricultural technologies has become essential to ensure higher productivity and improve farmers’ profitability. Among these technologies, agricultural mulching has emerged as one of the most effective and rapidly expanding solutions for high-value crop cultivation.
Mulching is a cultivation technique where a special plastic film or organic layer is spread over the soil surface to support crop production. This technology helps retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, regulate soil temperature, and significantly reduce irrigation requirements. In Bangladesh, the use of mulching has increased considerably in the cultivation of watermelon, tomato, chili, brinjal, strawberry, flowers, and other high-value crops.
Field experiences and research findings indicate that mulching can reduce water usage by 20–30 percent and lower weed management costs by up to 70–90 percent. At the same time, crop yield can increase by 15–30 percent, while overall production costs may decrease by 20–25 percent. For example, in watermelon or tomato cultivation, farmers can save substantial irrigation and labor costs through mulching and simultaneously generate higher income from increased production.
Despite these benefits, one of the major barriers to wider adoption of mulching technology in Bangladesh is the existing VAT and tax structure. Currently, a 15 percent VAT is imposed on mulching film, significantly increasing the product’s market price. According to field-level estimates, farmers are required to bear an additional BDT 1,500–2,500 per bigha solely due to VAT-related costs. Moreover, duties and taxes on imported raw materials further increase local production costs, making quality products less affordable for farmers.
Agricultural experts and industry stakeholders argue that mulching film is not a luxury item; rather, it is an essential agricultural input directly linked to crop productivity, water conservation, and climate resilience. Similar to other agricultural equipment and inputs, mulching film deserves policy recognition as an agriculture-supportive technology. Reducing or rationalizing VAT and tax burdens on this product could directly lower farmers’ production costs and encourage wider adoption of the technology.
At the same time, supportive policies would create opportunities for local manufacturing industries, attract new investment, generate employment, and reduce dependency on imports. Experts believe that with proper policy support and tax incentives, the use of mulching technology in Bangladesh could increase two to three times within the next few years.
Bangladesh’s agriculture today is not only challenged to increase production but also to ensure farmers’ profitability and sustainability. Efficient use of water, labor, and agricultural inputs has become increasingly important. In this context, mulching technology can play a vital role in reducing production costs, strengthening climate resilience, improving food security, and supporting sustainable agricultural growth.
Therefore, there is significant scope for policy-level discussion regarding the reconsideration of the existing VAT and tax structure on agricultural mulching film in the greater interest of farmers, sustainable agriculture, and national food security.
