U.S. Trade Deal May Hurt Bangladesh’s Small Farmers, Expert Warns

NEW DELHI — A trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States could undermine the livelihoods of millions of small farmers by exposing them to subsidized imports and genetically modified products, according to an opinion article published in a Dhaka-based newspaper.

The article, written by Farida Akhter, a former adviser to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, argues that the deal risks creating unequal competition between Bangladesh’s largely small-scale livestock sector and the highly industrialized agricultural system in the United States.

Akhter said livestock farming in Bangladesh is deeply tied to household livelihoods, unlike in the U.S., where it operates as a large-scale commercial industry. She noted that while industrial livestock farming in the U.S. involves a relatively small share of the population, in Bangladesh an estimated 80% to 85% of roughly 41 million households depend in part on livestock, often with women playing a central role. The sector contributes about 16% to the country’s agricultural GDP.

The article also raised concerns about subsidies, saying Bangladeshi farmers receive little to no government support, while U.S. livestock and seafood producers have benefited from tens of billions of dollars in subsidies over the years. This imbalance, Akhter argued, puts Bangladesh’s smallholders at a significant disadvantage.

Citing data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, the article said small-scale livestock systems are particularly vulnerable to import competition due to limited access to credit, technology, and state backing.

Akhter further warned that the agreement could effectively introduce genetically modified organisms into Bangladesh’s food supply through imports of meat, dairy, and processed products. In the United States, livestock feed commonly includes genetically modified corn and soybeans, as well as animal by-products used in poultry feed.

The issue carries cultural and religious sensitivity in Bangladesh, where more than 90% of the population is Muslim.

The article also highlighted environmental and health concerns tied to genetically modified crops and associated herbicide use. It referenced a 2019 European Union study that found increased herbicide use has led to the emergence of resistant weeds, prompting greater reliance on chemical treatments and raising questions about long-term environmental and health impacts.

Additionally, the article pointed to the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin, a genetically engineered growth hormone used in the U.S. to boost milk production. Products derived from treated cows, including butter, cheese, and yogurt, could enter Bangladesh’s market under the trade deal.

Akhter urged Bangladesh to reconsider the agreement, noting that Malaysia had already declared a similar U.S. trade arrangement invalid earlier this year. (Source: IANS)