BANGLADESH - AGRICULTURAL INPUTS II

From 1960 to 1970, food imports increased from 0.7 to 1.5 million tons and in 1972-73, 4.9 million tons. To accomplish self-sufficiency in foodgrains, Bangladesh must increase production by 6.4%/annum through 1978. To do so, a 5-year plan calls for expanded irrigation and crop control for increased acreage farmed and increased yields/acre. This project concentrates on meeting immediate foodgrain needs and on increasing yields/acre through use of fertilizers, high yielding seed grains, plant protection materials and credit to fund remedies for the food crisis (damaged land recultivation and marketing/distribution systems) and shortages of foreign exchange.