Showing posts with label Agriculture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Agriculture. Show all posts

Friday, October 8, 2021

COVID-19 Recovery Index | Bangladesh is Top in South Asia


The whole world is devastated by the deadly COVID-19 Corona virus. Rich nations like America, Russia, Germany, Britain also lost their way due to this epidemic. However, Bangladesh has risen to the top of the South Asian Coronavirus epidemic recovery. Bangladesh is at the top of the South Asian countries in Japan's Nikkei Kovid-19 recovery index.

At the end of each month, Japan's leading English daily Nikki Asia Global publishes this corona index based on infection control management, vaccination programs and social movements. The index is based on a score of 0 to 90 based on four criteria.

According to the Nikkei index released on 6 October 2021, Bangladesh has improved 48 steps compared to the previous index. Nikkei compiled the index after reviewing the corona virus situation in 121 countries and regions around the world. Bangladesh is currently ranked 26th out of 121 countries in the world.

According to the index, Bangladesh is at the top among the six countries in South Asia with 60 out of 90 scores. Pakistan is second only to Bangladesh in this region. The country got a score of 58.5 against. Pakistan ranks 33rd globally.

 

On the other hand, India is one of the third largest economies in South Asia. India ranks 40th in the world. Nepal is 44th and Sri Lanka is 61st. At the bottom of the region is Afghanistan; The country ranks 97th in the world.

Bangladesh was ranked 74th in Nikkei Asia's previous index. The Japanese index said that the higher the position of the countries considering the lower rate of infection and the higher rate of vaccination and the relaxed social distance rules, the better their position in recovery from COVID-19.

Malta is at the top of this index with the highest score of 73. It is followed by Chile in second place (72 points), Bahrain in third place (72 points), United Arab Emirates in fourth place (71 points) and Saudi Arabia in 5th place with 70.5 places.

Nikkei Asia has been publishing this index of corona virus epidemics since July 2021. Although China has been at the top of the index since then, the country's position has declined by nine steps in September. The Philippines is at the bottom of the index (121st) with a score of 30.5. It is followed by Laos (120th), Gabon (119th), Vietnam (118th) and Barbados and Angola jointly 116th.

Last month, Bangladesh raised five places to 39th out of 53 countries in the US media Bloomberg's Covid Resilience or Covid Tolerance Index. Bangladesh was ranked 44th in this Bloomberg index last August.

 

Thanks,

 

Related:

Bangladesh Holds Top Position in Breastfeeding Ranking | WBTi Report


Sunday, September 26, 2021

Admission test date of all Universities in Bangladesh


Public universities are going to take the admission test for the first year of graduation of the 2020-2021 academic year, which is stuck due to the COVID-19 Corona virus epidemic. The government could not take the higher secondary examination as the educational institutions were closed in March 2020. The results are then published with the student’s auto-pass.

After that, the students did not have to wait for the university admission tests battle as the infection situation deteriorated. After more than a year, the incidence of corona virus has decreased and public universities have announced new schedules for admission tests. In Bangladesh University of Professionals, the admission test has been completed so the admission process has also started from September 20. On Saturday 25-September 2021, the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University took the admission test against 60 available seats.

 

University of Dhaka Admission Circular:

Due to the epidemic, Dhaka University is taking admission test in the departmental cities outside the campus for the first time. Earlier, the test was scheduled to take place between July 31 and August 14, but was delayed due to corona virus. The Admission Test for 2020-21 will start from 1st October in 8 divisional cities:

  • Unit ‘Ka’ : 1st October, 2021
  • Unit ‘Kha’ : 2nd October, 2021
  • Unit ‘Ga’ : 22nd October, 2021
  • Unit ‘Gha’ : 23rd October, 2021
  • Unit ‘Cha’ : 9th October, 2021
  • IBA : 11th October, 2021

For details Admission information please visit (https://admission.eis.du.ac.bd).

 

Bangladesh University of Engineering - BUET Admission Circular:

Though the admission test of Bangladesh University of Engineering was scheduled to be held on 10th June, it was postponed due to epidemic situation. According to the new schedule:

  • Pre-selection test will be held on 20th and 21st October 2021. With the selected students in the final exams of Group ‘Ka’ and ‘Kha’ will be held on 6 November 2021.

Further information regarding the Admission Test of BUET can be found at (http://ugadmission.buet.ac.bd/).

 

Admission test of Combined (Guccho) Engineering Universities (CUET, KUET, RUET):

Though the integrated admission test of Chittagong, Khulna and Rajshahi Universities of Engineering and Technology was scheduled to be held on August 12, it was postponed. New Schedule:

  • The exams of ‘Ka’ and ‘Kha’ unit will be held on 13th November 2021, In addition to the main exam, the ‘free hand drawing’ exam will also be taken.

Further information on this test can be found on the website (https://admissionckruet.ac.bd/).

 

Guccho admission test of Agricultural Universities:

A bunch of admission tests will be held on 27 November in Seven universities offering degrees in agricultural science. Earlier, the test was scheduled for July 31. These seven universities are Bangladesh Agricultural University

  • Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University
  • Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University
  • Sylhet Agricultural University
  • Patuakhali University of Science and Technology
  • Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
  • Khulna Agricultural University

Further admission test information can be found on the website (https://admission-agri.org/).

 

University of Chittagong Admission Circular schedule:

  • Unit ‘A’ : 1st & 2nd November, 2021
  • Unit ‘B’ : 27th & 28th October, 2021
  • Unit ‘C’ : 29th October, 2021
  • Unit ‘D’ : 30th & 31st October, 2021
  • Unit ‘B-1’ & ‘D-1’ : 5th November, 2021

Further details information about Admission Test University of Chittagong can be found at (https://admission.cu.ac.bd/).

 

Jahangirnagar University Admission Test schedule:

  • The authorities plan to conduct admission test of 10 units of Jahangirnagar University between 7th November to 18th November, 2021. However, the final schedule has not been fixed yet.

Further details will be announced later on the website (https://juniv-admission.org/).

 

Rajshahi University Admission Circular:

The admission test was scheduled to be held on August 16-18, but it was postponed due to COVID-19 situation. As per the new schedule the exams will be held on:

  • Unit ‘A’ (Humanities) : 5th October, 2021
  • Unit ‘B’ (Commerce) : 6th October, 2021
  • Unit ‘C’ (Science) : 4th October, 2021

The exams will be held in three steps every day. Further details admission information can be found on the website (https://admission.ru.ac.bd/undergraduate/).

 

Bangladesh Textile University Admission Test schedule:

Bangladesh Textile University has postponed the examination on August 20. However, the candidates have to collect the admission papers between 26 September to 30 September. The test may be held on 12th November.

 

Maritime University Admission Test Circular:

The examinations of four faculties of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University were scheduled to be held on June 4 and 5 in the divisional cities of Dhaka, Chittagong, Rangpur and Khulna, but were postponed. Though there are plans to take the admission tests on 19 & 20 November, it has not been finalized yet. The university's admissions website said, "The examination schedule is being rescheduled, which will be announced on the website later." Please visit the website for further details, (https://applyonline.bsmrmu.edu.bd/Admission/Home).

 

Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology – DUET Admission Test Circular:

Admission test for 9 departments of Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology, Gazipur will be held on September 29 and 30. The authorities have informed that the exams will be held in two shifts from 10 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 4 pm every day.

 

20 University Guccho (Combined) admission test schedule:

This is the first time that 20 universities are taking part in the integrated admission test. The bunch admission test is starting with the admission test:

  • Unit ‘A’ : 17th October, 2021
  • Unit ‘B’ : 24th October, 2021
  • Unit ‘C’ : 1st November, 2021

Further detailed information can be found on the website (https://gstadmission.ac.bd/). The 20 universities in the group are:

  • Jagannath University
  • Islamic University
  • Khulna University
  • Cumilla University
  • National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University
  • Begum Rokeya University
  • Barisal University
  • Rabindra University
  • Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Digital University
  • Sheikh Hasina University
  • Shahjalal University of Science and Technology
  • Haji Mohammad Danesh University of Science and Technology
  • Maulana Bhasani University of Science and Technology
  • Noakhali University of Science and Technology
  • Jashore University of Science and Technology
  • Pabna University of Science and Technology
  • Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University of Science and Technology
  • Rangamati University of Science and Technology
  • Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib University of Science and Technology
  • Patuakhali University of Science and Technology.


Thanks,

 

Related:

All Public Universities Admission Test Schedule | 2019
List of Public Universities in Bangladesh
Top 10 Public University of Bangladesh

Monday, September 6, 2021

Bangladesh Holds Top Position in the World Breastfeeding Ranking | WBTi Report


Breastfeeding offers innumerable health, development, and economic benefits to both the mother and child, and nations. At present, only 41% of infants of 0-6 months are exclusively breastfed globally. It is very important for every country around the world to increase rates of optimal breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding practices. The World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) assists countries to assess and monitor the status of and benchmark progress in implementation of the Global Strategy in a standard way.


The WBTi is based on the WHO's “ Tool for the national assessment of policy and programmes on infant and young child feeding” and `1measures ten parameters of policy and programmes that protect, promote and support optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. It identifies gaps and calls upon governments to bridge these. WBTi maintains a Global Data Repository of the policies and programmes in 98 countries.

Based on the 10 indicators on policy and programmes (on a scale of 100) the WBTi published a report of World Ranking where Bangladesh is at the Top Position with a score of 91.5 (out of 100). WBTi provides objective scoring and colour coding to it’s 10 indicators of policy & programmes. Each indicator is scored out of a maximum of 10 and gets the colour code as Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green in ascending order of performance based on the WBTi guideline. 

  1. Bangladesh 91.5
  2. Sri Lanka 91
  3. Afghanistan 89
  4. Cuba 87.5
  5. Gambia 83
  6. Bolivia 81
  7. Turkey 80
  8. Elsalvador 79.5
  9. Niger 77
  10. Kenya 77
  11. Kuwait 77
  12. Malawi 75.5
  13. Bahrain 74.5
  14. Ukraine 74
  15. Mongolia 73.5
  16. Vietnam 73
  17. South Africa 71.5
  18. Brazil 70
  19. Ghana 69.5
  20. Zambia 69.5
  21. China 69.5
  22. Maldives 69.5
  23. Cambodia 69
  24. Mali 68
  25. Philippines 68
  26. Zimbabwe 67.5
  27. Nigeria 67.5
  28. Cameroon 66.5
  29. Argentina 66
  30. Malta 65.5
  31. Croatia 65.5
  32. Panama 65
  33. Pakistan 64.5
  34. Mozambique 64
  35. Georgia 64
  36. Venezuela 64
  37. Jordan 63.5
  38. Dominican Republic 63.5
  39. Nepal 63
  40. United Republic Of Tanzania 61.5
  41. Nicaragua 61.5
  42. Lesotho 61
  43. Burkina Faso 61
  44. Thailand 60.5
  45. Portugal 60.5
  46. Bosnia And Herzegovina 60
  47. Swaziland 59
  48. Uganda 59
  49. Malaysia 58.5
  50. Guatemala 58
  51. Seychelles 57.5
  52. Armenia 57
  53. Costa Rica 57
  54. Gabon 56.5
  55. Republic Of Korea 56.5
  56. Moldova, Republic Of 56.5
  57. Brunei Darussalam 56
  58. Saudi Arabia 56
  59. Ethiopia 55
  60. Fiji 55
  61. Bhutan 55
  62. Egypt 55
  63. Kiribati 53.5
  64. Sierra Leone 53
  65. Italy 52
  66. Indonesia 51.5
  67. United Kingdom 50.5
  68. Macedonia 50.5
  69. Peru 50.5
  70. Colombia 49
  71. Switzerland 48
  72. Belgium 48
  73. France 47.5
  74. Ecuador 47
  75. Sao Tome And Principe 46.5
  76. Uruguay 46.5
  77. Lebanon 46
  78. Mexico 45.5
  79. India 45
  80. Botswana 44.5
  81. Chile 44.5
  82. Honduras 43.5
  83. Morocco 42.5
  84. Belize 41.5
  85. Timorleste 41
  86. United States 40.5
  87. Taiwan 40.5
  88. Austria 40
  89. Singapore 40
  90. Oman 39.5
  91. Lithuania 38.5
  92. Palau 35.5
  93. Spain 35
  94. Paraguay 34.5
  95. Germany 33.5
  96. Australia 25.5
  97. Cape Verde 22.5
  98. Libya 19


Advantages of Breastfeeding:

  • Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival.
  • Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses.
  • Continued breastfeeding also pause ovulation and menstruation.
  • Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life
  • Breastmilk continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
  • Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life.
  • Mother who breastfeed have a lower risk for depression and they also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
  • It saves time and money.


To see the full report visit the official website of World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi).

 

Thanks,

 

 

Related:

Top Tertiary and District Hospitals in Bangladesh

Top Upazila Health Complex Ranking in Bangladesh

Rice Varieties in Bangladesh | BINA and BRRI

Bangladesh | Rice Production and Export

Exotic | Foreign Fruits in Bangladesh

Country's First Super Specialized Hospital at BSMMU

Bangladesh will be a Land of Fruits

COVID-19 Recovery Index | Bangladesh is Top in South Asia


Monday, June 14, 2021

Most Expensive | Egg of the Sun Mango in Bangladesh


Egg of the Sun mango which is called Miyazaki in Japan is now cultivating in Khagrachari, thousands of taka per kg. The famous Miyazaki or (Surjo Deem) mango of Japan is now being planted in the hills of Khagrachari. This type of mango is quite expensive. It is being sold from the garden at one thousand taka per kg.

The agro farm is located at Dhumnighat which is almost four KM far from Mahalchhori Zero Mile which is 19 km away from Khagrachhari, west side of Mahalchhari Jalliapara road. The Egg of the Sun mango orchard has been planted at Kra A A Agro Farm on 35 acres of land. Not only sun eggs, the owner is planting there are about 60 varieties of mangoes in this farm. The owner of the mango garden is Hlashimong Chowdhury. The young man who has a master's degree in English literature from Chittagong University.

 


There is egg of the sun colorful mangoes hanging from 120 mango trees. 30 to 50 mangoes in each tree. On an average each mango weighs about 300 grams. It looks as if the green mango has been painted.

Hlashimong Chowdhury collected egg of the sun mango saplings from different parts of the country. For the first time this year, each tree has yielded. The egg of the sun mango price in Bangladesh is high if compared with local varieties. He is selling this variety of mango at one thousand taka per kg. But the demand in the local market is very low due to high prices. However, many people from Dhaka, Super shops are buying this mango from here. Some interested peoples are also contacting for mango seedlings.


Hlashimang Chowdhury was born in a traditional educated family of Mahalchhari upazila. He completed his master's degree in English literature from Chittagong University and took charge of Sindukchhari Bazar Chowdhury in Guimara upazila. In 2015 he planted about 100 mango saplings of different varieties as a hobby. After two years, he started selling extra fruit outside of their own diet. He said the idea of ​​commercial gardening once came to mind.

At present 12 local workers are working in his garden. Unuching Chowdhury, the wife of Hlashimang Chowdhury, who has a master's degree in management from Chittagong Commerce College, has been the inspiration and support for gardening from the very beginning.

The Surjo Dim / Egg of the Sun / Egg Sun / Taiyo no Tamago or Miyazaki is also known as Red Mango in the world. This mango is the most expensive in the world market. It is basically a Japanese mango variety. The mango is very tasty to eat. The soil and climate of the hilly areas are very conducive for the production of Miyazaki mango. Naturally, the mango is red and beautiful to look at.

In 2017, two mangos sold at a Japanese wholesale auction for a record-breaking $3,744. The Egg of the Sun is a variety of mango grown in the Miyazaki prefecture and sold throughout Japan. Although they don’t usually go for thousands of dollars, on any given day you would be hard-pressed to find one for less than $50. The question is: What makes these mangoes so expensive?


The hefty price tag is partially due to the care that goes into growing these fruits. Japanese farmers surround each mango with a small net, which allows sunlight to hit the skin at all angles (giving it a uniform, ruby-red color), and cushions the fruit when it falls from the tree. Allowing the mangoes to simply fall when they’re ready, as opposed to manually picking them, ensures optimal ripeness. The resulting mangoes are absolutely delicious. They have very little fibrousness, are extremely juicy, and practically melt in your mouth. The taste itself is perfectly sweet and tart, like mango candy with hints of pineapple and coconut.


In Japan, often meticulously packaged gift fruits are sold behind glass cases at luxury fruit stores, as if they were jewels. Those who receive these perishable gifts will often put them on display and, in the case of certain fruits such as the square watermelon (which is sold under-ripe), they may never be eaten. So although Miyazaki’s mango is arguably more delicious than its Floridian counterpart, the majority of its price tag comes from what it represents.

 

Beside egg of the sun varieties mango, in Hlashimang Chowdhury’s Kra AA agro farm there are Banana, Kiujai, Three Test, Funai, Red Funai, King of Chakpat, Black Star, Amrapali, Kacha Mitha, Rangui, Okrang, Mallika, Keshowai, Nilambori, Philippine, Black King, Mahathir, Bari-4 Bari-11, local Guti Mango, Gourmati, Brunei king, Ashwina, Subarnarekha, Gopalbhog, Okrang etc almost 60 varieties of domestic and foreign and extinct species of mango.

 

Thanks,

 

Related:

Rice Varieties in Bangladesh | BINA and BRRI

Bangladesh Economy and Industrial Revolution

Bangladesh | Rice Production and Export

About Bangladesh Center of Advance Studies

Local or Deshi Fruits in Bangladesh

Exotic or Foreign Fruits in Bangladesh

Export Products to India is Increasing

Made in Bangladesh Cars | Introducing BANGLA CAR

Development of Bangladesh | Top Ten Position in the World | 13 Sectors


Sunday, February 28, 2021

Bangladesh Get More GI | Geographical Indication Products


After Jamdani, Hilsa and Kshirshapati Mango, Dhakai Muslin, Silk of Rajshahi, Shataranji of Rangpur, Kalijira of Dinajpur, Kataribhog and White Soil of Vijaypur of Bangladesh were registered as Geographical Indication Products (GI). As a result, these were also recognized all over the world as Bangladesh's own products.

Concerned people said that although all the official work in this regard was finalized in February, the Ministry of Industry has not yet made an official announcement. An announcement could be made next month.

In this atmosphere, World Intellectual Property Day is being celebrated on April 26. On the occasion of the day, a seminar has been organized online by the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, an organization under the Ministry of Industries. This time the theme of the day is 'Intellectual Property and SMEs: Planning and Marketing'.

Industries Secretary KM Ali Azam told that Jamdani was recognized as the country's first GI product in 2016, Hilsa in 2017 and Kshirshapati Mango in 2019. After a long process, all the official work of recognizing Dhaka Muslin, Rajshahi Silk, Rangpur's Shataranji, Dinajpur's Kalijira, Kataribhog and Vijaypur's white soil as GI product of Bangladesh has been finalized in February. However, the government has not yet made an announcement. There are plans to make an announcement soon.

Geographical Indication Products (GI for short) is one of the branches of intellectual property. If a country's soil, water, weather, climate and the culture of its people play the most important role in producing a unique quality product, it is recognized as the GI of that country. It is not possible to produce a product of the same quality anywhere except in that area.


Although Bangladesh is rich in history and heritage, for a long time there was no GI law and there was no opportunity to protect the ownership of the country's geographical indicators. Under the direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Geographical Indicative Products (Registration and Protection) Act, 2013 and the Geographical Indicative Products (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2015 were formulated.

After that the way to register the country's geographical indicator or GI product is easy. The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT), an organization under the Ministry of Industry, registered Jamdani as the first traditional product in the country in 2016. Then in 2017 Hilsa and in 2019 Kshirshapati Mango were recognized as GI products. This time Bangladesh got six more products.

 

Thanks,

 

Related:

Rice Varieties in Bangladesh | BINA and BRRI

Bangladesh Economy and Industrial Revolution

Bangladesh | Rice Production and Export

About Bangladesh Center of Advance Studies

Local or Deshi Fruits in Bangladesh

Exotic or Foreign Fruits in Bangladesh

Export Products to India is Increasing

Made in Bangladesh Cars | Introducing BANGLA CAR

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Development of Bangladesh | Top Ten Position in the World | 13 Sectors


Despite being small in size and quite densely populated, Bangladesh has made a Glorious and Enviable position in the World in at least 13 sectors with limited resources in the 50 years since the Independence which indicates Development of Bangladesh. In these sectors, Bangladesh is in the list of top 10 countries in the world. In some cases, Bangladesh has got benefits of nature and geographical location. Most of the success has been achieved by hard work and sincerity of the people of the country.

Some policies and decisions of the Governments of Bangladesh have played an important role in creating such a position worldwide, so has the contribution of the enterprising ordinary people. After the independence, the entrepreneurs have built a strong private sector economy by setting up businesses and industries by facing lots of difficulties and obstacles. Now after 50 years, the world is watching the Development of Bangladesh, Rising Economy of Bangladesh which has achieved by contribution of all. In some cases, the name Bangladesh is marked after big some countries like China and India even first in some cases.

Analyzing the latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Bangladesh Bank, Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Development of Bangladesh has been ranked in the Top 10 in 13 different sectors around the Globe.

 

First in Hilsa (Ilish) production:

Bangladesh accounts for 86% of the total Hilsa produced in the world, which is 5 lac 33 thousand of tons in a year. However, it is believed that the production of Hilsa fish will be 7 lac tons within recent years. Even four years ago, Bangladesh's share in the world's total Ilish production was 65 percent. India is second and Myanmar is third in this sector. Besides, small amount is also produced in Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Pakistan.

 

First in Jute export, Second in Jute production:

Jute was once known as the Golden Fiber of Bangladesh. Now due to some initiatives taken by the government, Bangladesh has become the first in the world to export jute and jute products. 285 types of products made from jute are now exporting worldwide. Due to recent development of Bangladesh in this sector the country has become the second largest producer of jute in the world. The amount of production is 13 lac 35 thousand tons, which is 42 percent of the total production of the world. India is the first in Jute production which is about 2 million of tons. India accounts for 55% of world production. China is in the third position with 45,000 tons of production.

 

Second in Freelancing or Outsourcing:

Educated youth of the country are now choosing freelance or outsourcing as a profession. Freelancing is the process of concluding work contracts through online with various individuals or organizations and delivering them online. At present, the number of total freelancers in the IT sector in Bangladesh is six lacs, which is about 27 percent of the world's percentage. Due to Development of Bangladesh in this IT sector our country is in the second place. India holds the first position based on the number of freelancers.

 

Second in the Ready-Made-Garments (RMG) Sector:

Bangladesh is now the second largest exporter of readymade garments products in the world. In the last fiscal year 2019-20, Bangladesh exported garments worth USD 27.5 billions, which is 6.8 percent of the world's total garment exports. The RMG sector is playing an important role in the development of Bangladesh economy. China is the first exporter of garments in the world and their share is 30.8 percent. Vietnam is in the third position with 6.2% export share.

 

Second in Jackfruit production:

The world produces 3.7 million tons of jackfruit annually. Bangladesh ranks second in the world in the production of this delicious and healthy fruit. The annual production is 1 million tons. India is the world's largest producer of jackfruit with 1.8 million tons. Indonesia and Thailand holds the third and fourth positions.

 

Second in Goat Milk:

Bangladesh is now self-sufficient in cow and goat production. Bangladesh has taken a place globally by increasing the production of cows and goats. According to the FAO report, Bangladesh has been consistently improving its global index in terms of goat numbers, meat and milk production. In particular, Bangladesh is second in the world in goat milk production and fourth in the world in the number of goats and meat production. India and China are the top two countries in the world in goat production.

 

Third in Freshwater Fish production:

Bangladesh is now the third largest freshwater fish producer in the world. According to the FAO report, despite the poor condition of rivers, the country produces 10 percent of the world's freshwater fish. China is first with 16 percent and India is second with 14 percent production in this sector. According to the FAO, Bangladesh will be the first of the four countries in the world that will achieve huge success in fish farming by 2022 then Thailand, India and China. Fish production has increased by 53 percent in the last 10 years and fish exports have increased by more than 20 percent. By creating huge employment in the rural area this sector is helping the Economy and Development of Bangladesh.

 

Third in Vegetables production:

Bangladesh is the third largest producer of vegetables in the world. The annual production is 16 million tons. In this case, the top position holds by China, the second position by India. Success and diversity in vegetable cultivation has come as a result of private companies inventing and marketing hybrid or high yielding (Ufshi) seeds suitable for year round cultivation. At present, 60 types of vegetables are being produced in the country, with the participation of 16.2 million farmer families.

 

Fourth in Rice production:

The Rice is the main food of Bengalis. After independence, when the total population was 75 million, there was food crisis in the country. We had to continue by importing. But now Bangladesh is self-sufficient in paddy / rice production even after reducing the amount of cultivable land across the country. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Bangladesh produced 52.6 million tons of paddies in the last fiscal year 2019-20, which is the fourth highest in the world. China is the first to produce 148.5 million tonnes, India with 116.4 million tonnes. In a message on the occasion of Krishibids Day on 12 February 2021, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "The combined efforts of farmers, agriculturists and the current government's favorable agricultural policies and incentives are contributing to the achievement of food self-sufficiency. Land is declining in this densely populated country. Even then, the increase in agricultural production is a surprise to the world.”

 

Sixth in Potatoes:

Bangladesh is now sixth in the world in Potato production. One year before independence, only 9 lac tons of potatoes were produced. Potato production has increased 11 times in last 50 years. According to the FAO estimates, 10.2 million tons of potatoes were produced in the last financial year. China is now the first in the world with 91.4 million tons, and India is second with 49.7 million tons.

 

Eight in Expatriate Income:

More than 10 million Bangladeshis live in different countries of the world, most of whom are workers and labors. They send their hard-earned money to their parents, siblings, wives, sons and relatives in the country. Bangladesh ranks eighth in the world in terms of expatriate income. In the last financial year, the expatriate income or remittance in the country came to about 20 billion dollars. In the same financial year, India is in the first position with 7.8 billion and China is in the second position with 6.7 billion. This foreign remittance is playing a very important role in the economic development of Bangladesh.

 

Eighth in Mango:

Bangladesh is now the eighth largest producer of Mango in the world. The annual production is 2.4 million tons. Before 10 years the position was 10th with 1.25 million tons production. In 2018, Bangladesh rose to the seventh place. India is on top in mango production with a production capacity of 15 million tons. China holds the second place. Now mango is being cultivated all over the country. Himsagar, Gopalbhog, Langra and Fazli mangoes were once cultivated in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj area. At present, Amrapali mango is being cultivated extensively in the southern and south-western parts of the country.

 

Eighth in Guava production:

Bangladesh is currently ranked at Eighth in the world with 1.05 million tons of Guava production. India is first with 17.6 million tons and China is second with 4.4 million tons. At one time, only local guava was cultivated across the country but the revolution was brought about by Thai variety and Kazi Guava. 10 species of guava have been developed from the Germplasm Center of Bangladesh Agricultural University. Guava is cultivated mainly in the southern and south-western districts of the country.

 

The whole world is watching the development of Bangladesh in various sectors. The pandemic and the global economic crisis have consequently left deep marks on South Asia but Bangladesh, the fastest growing economy in this region, managed to mitigate the decline in the second half of 2020 through recovery in trade and remittances. The economy of Bangladesh is a developing market economy. The production capacity in the above described sectors clearly indicates Sustainable Economic Development of Bangladesh. Once we will hold the position in Top Ten largest economy in the world!

Thanks,

 

Related:

Rice Varieties in Bangladesh | BINA and BRRI

Bangladesh Economy and Industrial Revolution

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Friday, April 10, 2020

SONALI BAG from Jute | Best Polythene Alternative | Made in Bangladesh


Jute is a traditional financial crop of Bangladesh. At present, over eight lac hectares of land are cultivating jute and related crops. With the United Nations announcement of the year 2009 as "international natural fiber year" and due to increasing of environmental awareness in developed countries, the popularity or use of environmental catastrophes products is declining steadily around the world.

A new era was started by Professor Mubarak Ahmed Khan, chief scientific adviser of the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC). Through the invention of his eco-friendly poly-bag made from jute, a new dream in the jute sector has already started becoming true.

Sonali Bag:
The golden bag is a type of polythene bag made from jute. Professor Mobarak Ahmed Khan, a Bangladeshi scientist, discovered this process of producing polythene bags from jute. After invention of the golden bag, the experimental production began on May 2017 in Latif Bawani Jute Mills. The factory started producing environment friendly 2000 pieces of polybags from Jute's cellulose. Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has named this polythene bag from jute as ‘SONALI BAG’.


Method of making Sonali Bag from Jute:
Structurally, the jute is composed of complex polymers consisting mainly of cellulose 75%, hemicelluloses 15% and lignin 10%. Besides, because of the small amount of fat, wax, nitrogenous matter, beta-carotene and xanthophylls, jute is deciduous and environment friendly. In 2017, Professor Mubarak Ahmed Khan, a noted scientist of the Atomic Energy Commission, invented the Sonali Bag from Jute cellulose which is very much environmentally friendly.


First, cellulose is extracted from the waste jute fibers that are thrown away from the jute mills. These cellulose which is insoluble in water, is subsequently modified using some chemical products. Cross-linkers are mixed with soluble cellulose. The chemical reaction is carried out inside a drawer machine at a particular temperature. It dries out of the machine in the form of plastic sheets. Later the sheet gets polybag shape by cutting. It is possible to get one kilogram of polythene from one kilogram of jute.



More than 50 percent of cellulose is present in the bags produced. This waterproof polybag costs from BD Taka 250 to 300 per kg. But if the bag is manufactured and marketed commercially, the price will be further reduced. Fully digestible and environment friendly, the bag lasts for about five hours in water and then begins to melt slowly. Since there is not any harmful chemicals so it increases soil fertility by completely mixing within 5-6 months. It looks like a normal polythene bags of the market, but it is one and a half times more durable and stronger than usual polyethylene bags. This bag can be used as packaging material for specially made garments and also for storing food items.

Impact of polythene on the environment:
More than one million polyethylene bags in every minute are used in the world. Only one percent of it is processed for recycling and 10 percent is dumped into the sea. These polybags will not digest and won’t mix with the soil for a hundred years. It will harm people with harmful effects, including large numbers of birds and aquatic animals. In Bangladesh, the production of polythene started on a commercial basis in 1982. Due to the excessive use of polythene, in 1998 the sewerage system was disrupted in various cities including the capital of the country. Then, production, marketing and sale of polythene bags were prohibited by law in the country in 2002. Despite various government initiatives, the use of polythene could not be controlled as there was no cheap and other alternative.

Importance as an alternative to polythene:
The importance of polythene made by jute as an alternative to present polythene is understood from the decision to ban polythene that is a serious risk to the environment around the world. Bangladesh has banned the use of polythene with 72 countries of the world. In all countries, there are punishments for the use of polythene but the use could not be stopped. The Kenyan government issued a rule to arrest anyone after seeing with polythene in hand. The Ugandan airport had provisions for arresting anyone with polythene. But since polythene had no alternative, it could not be implemented for long. Ireland's government has imposed additional taxes to reduce the use of polythene bags. Portugal, Spain also started same actions. European Parliament is going to implement a law banning polythene bags in European countries since 2020.

Several countries are interested to buy Sonali Bags from Bangladesh:
Already the Melbourne City Council authorities in Australia have expressed interest in buying the bag to keep the city polythene-free and a US-based business firm in Dubai has placed order to buy 25,000 pieces of polybags a month. On October 2019, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and an NDA were signed with a UK company for commercial production of Sonali Bags from Jute. Recently, countries in the world, including Italy, Brazil, Bhutan, China, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Taiwan, Tanzania, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, have started reducing use of environmental harmful elements, including synthetic polybags.

Various steps of the Bangladesh Government:
Formulation of capital policy EcoTax is being imposed on polythene reforms and use of products. For the protection of the environment the ‘Wrap Act 2010’ has been announced for wrap 17 types of products including fertilizers, sugar, rice etc. For these products the use of jute wrap is mandatory for sale, distribution and supply. The provision for use of wrappers made of all jute-made products is made as a wrapper of the products produced by all public and private organizations. If the use of jute wrapping in the product is fully implemented, the demand for jute bags in the country will increase from 90,000 to 840 million pcs in the country. The government has taken initiatives to establish a Jute Village at a cost of Taka 2,000 crore in 200 acres land beside Padma River to provide the raw materials for making multipurpose jute products. From January 2019, the Bangladesh Jute Mill Corporation has been working to produce 25,000 pcs bags daily. As a result, the future of Bangladesh's golden jute may change.

There is currently a global demand for 500 billion deciduous polybags. If we can produce jute sonali bag to meet this demand of the world, it will start a new trend in Bangladesh economy. Private investment should be encouraged alongside the government. Sonali Bags will be hugely popular as an alternative to polythene bags if the cost can be reduce. Currently investing the entire jute produced in our country, it is possible to meet one third of the global demand. If we can ensure the use of jute fibers internally, it will be possible to get a fair price of the jute, as well as to bring the fallen land under jute cultivation, and to make possible progress in the jute sector. New opportunities for jute will be exposed. And the jute will remove the use of polythene forever that is destroying the environment.

Thanks,

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Rice Varieties in Bangladesh | BINA and BRRI
Bangladesh Economy and Industrial Revolution