Constraints to agricultural entrepreneurship in Bangladesh: Survey based insights and policy solutions

Abstract

This study investigates the demographic characteristics, agricultural practices, constraints and financial challenges faced by agricultural entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Based on data from 153 agricultural entrepreneurs, the analysis covers age, education, crop production, income levels and identification of constraints. The findings reveal that, most of entrepreneurs are educated, with significant engagement in vegetable farming. Among the entrepreneurs, 55.6% face medium-level constraints, while 7.2% experience high constraints. However, they encounter various constraints, particularly related to access to quality inputs (83%), financial services (81%) and storage infrastructure (89.5%). High spoilage rates and poor mechanization further exacerbate productivity losses. Considering Constraints Faced Index (CFI), lack of quality seeds/seedlings (plant materials) ranked first (CFI value = 193.46) followed by high spoilage rates of certain vegetable and fruits due to lack of cold storage (CFI value = 188.24) and lack of financial supports. Proposed solutions include enhanced subsidies, training, credit access reforms, infrastructure development and stronger market regulation. This study underscores the need for integrated policy support to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity in the agriculture sector of Bangladesh.