IN BANGLADESH鈥橲 parched boro fields, water is not just a resource; it is the currency of food security and rural prosperity. With over 80 per cent of the country鈥檚 cropland now irrigated, primarily during the dry season, irrigation has doubled rice yields since the 1970s and propelled near self-sufficiency in staple foods. Yet this achievement carries hidden economic and environmental costs that urgently need attention.
Most irrigation water comes from over 1.5 million tube wells, powered by electricity or diesel. These energy inputs often account for 25鈥�40 per cent of small farmers鈥� production costs. Nationally, agricultural water pumping uses nearly 3 per cent of total electricity generation, straining the power grid, especially during peak summer months.
Water delivery systems add further costs. Government-subsidised canals and pumps require constant maintenance, while inefficient earthen canals lose up to 40 per cent of water, directly affecting farmers鈥� costs and reducing potential crop gains. Subsidies complicate the picture further. Electricity tariffs for irrigation often cover only 3鈥�10 per cent of operating costs, far below full economic pricing seen in India and Pakistan. These low prices discourage farmers from conserving water or investing in efficient systems, while draining public funds.
Despite the high costs, irrigation remains productive. Boro rice cultivation generates strong returns per unit of water, but this single-crop focus drives overuse and environmental strain. Alternatives like Alternate Wetting and Drying, AWD, can reduce water use by 20鈥�30 per cent and save 15鈥�20 per cent in energy costs without hurting yields. Yet adoption remains below 15 per cent, limited by weak price signals and risk aversion.
Higher-value crops such as vegetables and spices can deliver up to ten times the returns per unit of water compared to rice. Crop diversification, however, requires better market access, financing and irrigation technology suited to small plots, such as drip systems or pivot pumps. For many smallholders, capital for these investments remains out of reach.
Efforts are underway to address these challenges. Prepaid electric pump metering piloted in the Barind and Muhuri zones has reduced energy use by 15鈥�20 per cent and increased awareness of conservation. Surface irrigation modernisation, including canal lining and pipeline installations, has cut water losses and reduced pumping costs, as seen in the Muhuri project. However, funding limitations slow widespread upgrades.
Solar irrigation pumps, backed by government subsidies, are showing promise in reducing emissions and operational costs. A Tk 150,000 solar pump can replace a diesel pump within five years, cutting seasonal fuel expenses by up to 70 per cent. Meanwhile, microfinance institutions and agri-tech companies are providing bundled solutions linking efficient irrigation technology with training, market access and input supply to boost water productivity.
Crop insurance tied to water use and rainfall could support farmers in shifting to less water-intensive practices, but fewer than 10 per cent of smallholders currently have access to agricultural insurance due to affordability and limited awareness. Access to finance remains a persistent barrier, with the capital needed for pumps, canal lining, and drip systems often exceeding farmers鈥� savings.
Public-private partnerships channelling climate finance through rural institutions could help scale up these technologies while aligning outcomes with water-saving targets. However, institutional coordination across agriculture, water and energy ministries remains weak, and water user associations lack sufficient funding and capacity for effective local water management.
Realigning incentives is critical. Gradually increasing water and energy prices to reflect their true economic and environmental costs can encourage conservation and efficiency. Revenues from higher prices could be returned to farmers as service credits or equipment subsidies to ease the transition, while targeted support can protect the most vulnerable farmers from exclusion.
Ultimately, efficient irrigation pays off through yield increases, reduced input costs and improved climate resilience. Every litre of water lost is a missed opportunity, and every taka spent without yield in return dilutes national progress. Bangladesh must end blanket subsidies, invest in efficient infrastructure and support farmers in adopting modern practices to transform irrigation from a hidden burden into a driver of sustainable growth.
Water is a finite, costly resource that underpins Bangladesh鈥檚 food security and climate resilience. By treating irrigation water as a valued input rather than a free commodity, Bangladesh can ensure that every drop truly counts, turning its fields into engines of equitable and sustainable prosperity.
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Dr Makhan Lal Dutta, an agricultural engineer, is the chair and CEO of Harvesting Knowledge Consultancy.