The trade deal between Bangladesh and the US has sparked worries about the influx of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) via meat and dairy products, potentially affecting the livelihoods of local farmers. The agreement, criticized in a Dhaka-based newspaper, highlights the disparity in economic models between the two nations, posing challenges for Bangladesh’s predominantly small-scale livestock industry.
The article points out that while the US has a large industrial livestock sector involving a small percentage of the population, Bangladesh relies heavily on livestock for the livelihoods of a vast majority of households, particularly those led by women. The import of meat and dairy products under the deal could disrupt this crucial sector, which contributes significantly to the country’s agricultural GDP.
Concerns are raised over the unequal competition faced by Bangladeshi livestock keepers, who lack subsidies compared to the heavily subsidized US industrial livestock sector. The disparity in support is emphasized, with the US providing substantial subsidies to its livestock producers, creating a challenging environment for small-scale livestock systems in Bangladesh.
The article also highlights the use of genetically modified corn and soybeans in US livestock feed, a practice that may conflict with cultural and religious norms in Bangladesh, where a majority of the population is Muslim. The potential health and environmental risks associated with the use of herbicide-tolerant traits in GM crops are underscored, raising further concerns about the impact of such practices on food safety and sustainability.
