Floods have hit Bangladesh, the world’s third largest rice producer, destroying more than a million tonnes of rice. Soaring food prices are pushing the country to increase its imports of essential cereals.

What is happening?

Severe flooding in August and October caused by heavy monsoon rains killed at least 75 people and affected more than 18 million people. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is providing essential aid supplies as part of an emergency humanitarian response. Part of the effort involves transporting medical supplies to health clinics across the country to help local authorities combat the spread of waterborne diseases.

Bangladesh produces around 39 million tonnes of grain annually to feed its population of 170 million.

According to a Food Ministry official, by According to Reuters, the significant loss in rice production prompted the Bangladesh government to import 500,000 tonnes of rice. The country’s estimated agricultural losses, which include more than 200,000 tonnes of vegetables, are around $380 million.

Food prices in Bangladesh have soared by almost 20% since the floods.

Why are floods in Bangladesh important?

Disruptions caused by natural disasters in food production are forcing the country to rely more on imports. The United Nations Development Program classified Bangladesh as the seventh country in the world most exposed to extreme disaster risks.

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According to According to a World Bank analysis, only India has more people exposed to flooding than Bangladesh. Nearly 3.5 million people are expected to be affected by river flooding in Bangladesh each year. It is projected that 15% of the world’s population will live in flood-prone areas by 2050, representing approximately 1.3 billion people.

River flooding affects 21 million people worldwide each year, and this number could rise to 54 million per year by 2030. Urbanization and overheating of the planet are blamed for the growing number of people under threat.

What are we doing about food security in Bangladesh?

“To ensure food security in the face of growing climate challenges, it is essential to develop crop varieties that are more resistant to floods and drought, as well as varieties with a short cycle,” said Khandakar Mohammad Iftekharuddaula, scientific director of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute. , by Reuters.

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“By focusing on flood- and drought-resilient traits, we can help farmers adapt to climate change and stabilize yields, even in challenging conditions.”

Our warming world means that many farmers trouble growing crops which thrived reliably in their regions. It is essential to lower the planet’s temperature by adopting renewable energy options rather than dirty sources that release heat-trapping gases. At the individual level, registration for community solar programs And go electric for your next vehicle purchase can help you.

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