by PressOilseed production growth is expected in Bangladesh
Oilseed production growth in Bangladesh will help meet product demand
FAS has forecast growth in oilseed production in Bangladesh. The main driver is growing domestic demand. And this is coming from both the food industry and animal feed producers.
Analysts have identified an increase in demand for the following types of oilseeds:
— sunflower;
— soybean;
— mustard and rapeseed;
— sesame;
— peanuts.
Bangladesh is actively increasing the domestic production of these crops:
— the crop volume for the 2025-2026 season will be around 1.8 million tonnes;
— last season, the figure was 1.7 million tonnes;
— rapeseed production is estimated at 1.4 million tonnes;
— the soybean harvest will be about 160 thousand tonnes.
It is worth noting that the yield of oilseeds in the country has been steadily rising for several years. The coastal regions have shown particularly good results. Here, climatic conditions favour intensive plant development. The vegetation period takes place under optimal weather conditions, which has a positive effect on the final indicators. Other factors in the development of the sector are increased profitability and better marketing conditions.
Soybean production overview
Soybean and rapeseed oilseed meals are popular in Bangladesh. It is actively used as a feed component for the livestock industry. Oilseed meal is high in protein, which is important for animal growth. The products are also used in aquaculture. Livestock consumption of oilseeds is expected to reach 7.5 million tonnes.
The soybean processing industry also continues to strengthen. Demand for animal feed is expanding, boosting the industry. The country’s poultry industry, which requires large quantities of feed, is growing strongly. Consumption of aquaculture products is also increasing.
Crushers meet about 40% of soybean oil demand and 60% of soybean meal demand. Analysts expect soya bean crushing to increase by 9% year on year. Production will be 2.4 million tonnes.
Despite the rise in domestic production, Bangladesh continues to be a large importer of soybeans. Purchases will exceed 2 million tonnes in the 2025-2026 season, up 9% from last year. The increase in imports is due to high demand from the animal feed industry. Soybeans account for about 30% of all feed ingredients.
The Bangladeshi government is keen to reduce its dependence on imported oilseeds. To this end, a number of measures are being implemented to stimulate domestic production. One of the steps is to increase the area under soya, mustard and rapeseed. In addition, high demand and favourable crop prices are stimulating local production.