Progga Das

In Bangladesh's agriculture-based economy, maize has emerged as a rising crop that not only ensures food security but also opens new doors for economic growth. Alongside rice and wheat, maize has now established itself among farmers as a profitable and sustainable crop. The unprecedented success of maize production in the 2024–25 fiscal year has created the potential for a transformative shift in the national economy. As production increases, import dependency is declining, and export prospects are growing stronger. With proper planning, technological advancement, and market expansion, maize can become a key driver in accelerating Bangladesh’s economic engine. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, maize production this fiscal year has reached close to 6.6 million tons.

Although slightly lower than the 6.884 million tons produced in 2023–24, there has been remarkable improvement in land utilization and yield quality. This year, maize was cultivated on 578,000 hectares of land and more than double the 283,000 hectares cultivated in the 2011–12 fiscal year. This growth is not merely a statistic; it has brought new prosperity to the lives of farmers. Yet, despite this achievement, Bangladesh still imports 1.5 to 2 million tons of maize annually, costing over 500 million dollars. If domestic production can be doubled, it would not only boost agriculture but also energize trade and export sectors.

Many countries around the world earn vast amounts of foreign currency by exporting maize-based starch, syrup, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even textile materials. Bangladesh remains absent from this market, largely because maize is not yet viewed here as a strategic resource. However, if we adopt science-based planning, provide farmer training, and develop agro-processing industries, there is a hidden potential to generate at least 10 billion dollars in maize exports by replacing imports. What’s even more fascinating is that maize is a crop where nothing goes to waste: grain, husk, stalk, cob and everything has value. It can be used to produce bioplastics, organic fertilizers, livestock feed, paper, and textile materials.

If entrepreneurship is encouraged in this sector, rural people won’t have to migrate to cities in search of jobs; instead, cottage industries will grow in villages, empowering women and establishing a sustainable, eco-friendly economy. Moreover, intercropping can be practiced with maize cultivation. Crops like red spinach, radish, or cauliflower can be grown alongside maize, which diversifies farmers’ income sources and increases land productivity. In the next decade, global demand for food processing, bioenergy, and environmentally friendly products is expected to rise dramatically. Maize is ready to meet that demand in every cell. If Bangladesh can now establish maize-based starch factories, corn syrup units, corn oil extraction plants, and pharmaceutical manufacturing units, maize will become a pillar of our future export economy. Another hopeful sign is seen in global market trends. In 2024, the global market for maize-derived starch alone was worth 61 billion dollars, projected to exceed 80 billion by 2028. The corn syrup market is valued at 14 billion dollars, and corn oil at over 9 billion. Tapping into these markets would not only earn revenue but also build a sustainable industrial foundation.

In addition, the nutritional value of maize contributes significantly to food security and public health, an unexpected benefit in the context of national well-being. In envisioning the future, if Bangladesh seeks to build a self-reliant, export-oriented, and tech-driven agricultural economy, maize must be seen not just as a crop, but as a strategic tool. This is no longer just a matter for farmers and it’s time to bring maize into the core of our national economic policy. To do so, we need visionary, bold, and effective initiatives. Innovative maize seeds and agricultural technologies must be integrated. Climate-resilient and high-yield maize varieties need to be introduced, and smart irrigation systems adopted. By utilizing both Rabi and Kharif seasons, production can be significantly expanded. Agro-processing industries for corn syrup, starch, and biofuel production must be established to strengthen the domestic market and increase export potential. A National Maize Transformation Planning Agency must be created. Additionally, designated production and export zones for maize-based products should be established.

Through market regulation and fair pricing, farmers must be ensured just returns to encourage maize cultivation. A maize-focused startup incubation system can be launched, offering five years of tax exemptions, easy loans, and capital support to attract young entrepreneurs. International branding must also be developed. Under the label "Golden Corn of Bengal," Bangladeshi maize should be showcased at international food fairs, trade shows, and buyer conferences. If the current trajectory of maize production continues, and scientific, technology-based, and strategic plans are implemented, Bangladesh will achieve full self-sufficiency in maize within the next five years. Import costs will drop to nearly zero, and new streams of foreign currency will be opened through exports. Not only that, but maize-based industries will create millions of rural and industrial jobs, helping reduce unemployment and enhancing rural purchasing power. The nutritional value of maize will support public health improvement, while biofuel production will pave the way for a greener economy. Considering the vast potential of maize, it is not just a crop, it is the new economic lifeline of Bangladesh. After ready-made garments, maize could emerge as the second-largest export sector in agriculture, and become the silent revolution of Bangladesh’s economy.

The writer is student, Department of Economics

Eden Mohila College.She can be reached at email proggadas2005@gmail.com