Why are Bangladeshi farmers switching from rice to mangoes?

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Farmers in Bangladesh are shifting from rice cultivation to mango orchards primarily due to the impacts of climate change, including frequent droughts and increasing temperatures, which make rice farming less profitable and more water-intensive compared to mangoes.

In regions of Bangladesh, particularly the Barind area of northwestern Bangladesh, farmers are increasingly opting for mango cultivation over traditional rice farming. This transition is largely driven by the adverse effects of climate change, such as recurrent droughts, insufficient rainfall, and rising temperatures. These conditions have rendered rice cultivation, a crop requiring substantial water, increasingly challenging and less economically viable. Mango trees, in contrast, demand significantly less water, reportedly up to 80% less than rice, and require less intensive labour and attention, making them a more resilient and profitable alternative for landowners facing environmental uncertainties.
Climate Change Impacts on Rice Cultivation

The viability of rice farming in areas like Naogaon district has been compromised by environmental shifts linked to climate change. Experts highlight that frequent droughts, poor precipitation patterns, and escalating temperatures create an inhospitable environment for rice cultivation, which is inherently water-dependent. This makes the crop susceptible to failure, leading to financial losses for farmers. For instance, a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) study indicated a significant drop in average rainfall during the monsoon season in the driest Barind districts, including Naogaon, between 2005 and 2014. This reduction in water availability directly impacts paddy field yields, as exemplified by a sharecropper in Naogaon whose harvest was reduced to a quarter of usual levels due to dried-up fields.
Economic Viability and Labour Requirements

Beyond the direct impact of water scarcity, the economic profitability of rice farming has diminished, further incentivising the switch to mangoes. Landowners find that mango cultivation requires less labour compared to rice. This reduction in labour needs is a significant factor for farm owners like Tajul Islam, who has converted his five hectares of rice fields to mango orchards. He noted that while shifting to mango farming reduces work opportunities for ethnic communities, the lower labour demand makes it a preferred choice. This economic calculation by landowners directly affects the traditional livelihoods of landless labourers.
Socioeconomic Consequences for Labourers

The shift from rice to mango cultivation has had profound socioeconomic consequences for landless labourers, particularly those from ethnic minority groups such as the Oraon. These communities traditionally relied on employment in paddy fields for their income, earning around 200 taka a day. With the conversion of rice fields to mango gardens, many like Kalamoti Kujur have lost their jobs, facing significant hardship and struggling to support their families. The migration of male family members to other districts in search of work has become a common coping mechanism, disrupting family structures and adding to the difficulties faced by those left behind.
Expansion of Mango Cultivation Area

The trend towards mango cultivation is substantial, with a notable increase in the area dedicated to this fruit. In Naogaon district, the area under mango cultivation more than doubled between the fiscal year 2013-2014 and 2018-2019. Official figures from the Department of Agricultural Extension for Naogaon indicate that mango cultivation expanded from approximately 9,150 hectares in 2013-2014 to over double that area by 2018-2019. This rapid expansion underscores the widespread adoption of mangoes as a more climate-resilient and economically favourable crop by landowners in the region.

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Why are Bangladeshi farmers switching from rice to mangoes?

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