The BNP government has announced a national budget of Tk 9.38 trillion for the 2026–27 fiscal year, with Tk 43,335 crore allocated jointly to the agriculture, food, and fisheries and livestock ministries. This represents 0.63 percent of GDP and 3.2 percent of the total budget, a modest rise from the previous year’s Tk 37,126 crore. However, the budget does not specify how much each ministry will receive separately, leaving unclear the exact allocation for agriculture. The author argues that the increase is insufficient given the sector’s challenges and its importance to national food security.

The article highlights that the government’s focus remains on food storage and procurement rather than direct support for farmers. It criticizes the continued emphasis on fertilizer and pesticide subsidies, which benefit chemical companies more than farmers. The piece also notes that recent diesel shortages and untimely rains devastated Boro rice crops, affecting about 200,000 farmers, yet the budget offers no relief measures. The author warns that neglecting agriculture and fisheries endangers food and nutrition security and undermines the livelihoods of millions dependent on these sectors.