Potentiality of Modern Technology

Q. Is it possible to develop agriculture sector with the use of modern technologies?

Developing agriculture sector with the use of those technologies is possible but it is difficult to develop agriculture rapidly sector with the use of those technologies. Proper utilization of those technologies can turn the agriculture sector into a dynamic profitable sector by increasing production. About 63% of the labor forces are employed in agriculture with about 57% being employed in cropping sector. And it contributes about 32% to the National GDP. First, we can prove that use of existing technology brings development in production. Then we can say that modern technologies are not available for all and adaptation powers of all are not same. If we can ensure the accessibility of the root level farmers to the technologies that are using in Bangladesh, agriculture development is possible.

But there are some difficulties to adopt those technologies to the root level farmers in Bangladesh, such problems are:

• Technological depreciation cost is minimum in the third world countries means the substitution cost of technology is higher. In Bangladesh, a particular technology is used for a long time rather then substitutes it. And the replacement of old technology is very slow here.
• Poor farmers are not economically solvent to adopt technology frequently. Credit is not available to them. Lack of technology, farmers with their land, labor and animal often cannot grow enough production from their land.
• Inadequate knowledge about the modern technology of the farmers with less skilled workers is one of the big problems in agricultural development. Lots of farmers are not still introduced with many existing technologies in our country. Proper training centre, application of HYV seeds, fertilizer etc will ensure the agriculture development with the widespread technology using in Bangladesh.
• Rural infrastructure has a contribution in technology adaptation. Lack of rural infrastructure and poor communications facilities are the major constrains in agriculture development as well rural development. Effective and efficient strategies, adequate incentives by Government and moreover GO-NGO collaboration will enable the agriculture sector to compete in or penetrate the global market.
  

If new and modern technology is transferred, local farmers will not be able to adopt them because of lack of education, skill and for poverty. Taking measure on these issues is also necessary with adopting new modern technologies in Bangladesh.