Post-Pandemic Strategies for Promoting the Agriculture and CMSME Sector of Bangladesh
Date:
11 July 2024Category:
Agricultural Development, COVID-19, SMEsType:
Discussion PapersTags:
Agriculture, SMEs, start-ups, Bangladesh, COVID-19Print Article:
Agriculture and cottage, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (CMSMEs) – the two critically important sectors for pro-poor and inclusive growth in Bangladesh – were severely affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns. Supply chains were interrupted, jobs were lost, and businesses were closed. This study identifies the major challenges faced by these two sectors and develops intervention strategies to promote them in the post-pandemic period. This is done through an extensive review of relevant literature, discussions with sector experts, and a survey. Based on the research findings, we recommend some policy interventions, such as greater digitisation and the development of uninterrupted cold-chain infrastructure across the country. We also recommend more supportive policies to scale up start-ups that offer solutions to at least one of the major challenges faced by these two sectors.
