Bangladesh plans AI system to predict food shortages before prices surge
Government aims to use artificial intelligence to forecast supply disruptions, monitor global markets and identify best import options before shortages trigger inflation
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh is planning to deploy an artificial intelligence-powered analytics system to predict shortages of essential commodities before they occur, part of a broader effort to stabilize food supplies and curb price spikes in a country that has repeatedly faced inflation driven by supply disruptions and volatile global markets.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, the proposed platform will analyze a decade of data on domestic production, imports, exports and international market trends to forecast potential shortages and recommend the most suitable countries and timing for imports.
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir outlined the initiative during a ministry meeting on technology-driven market management.
The system is intended to shift Bangladesh’s market management strategy from reacting to shortages after they emerge to anticipating disruptions before they affect consumers.
Officials say it will assess whether commodities are produced domestically, depend on imports or rely on a combination of both, allowing authorities to identify vulnerabilities in the supply chain well in advance.
Essential commodities such as onions, pulses and edible oils have frequently experienced sharp price increases in Bangladesh because of crop failures, adverse weather, import delays and fluctuations in international markets.
Those disruptions have periodically fueled food inflation, placing additional pressure on household budgets in a country where food accounts for a significant share of consumer spending.
Under the proposal, the AI platform would continuously monitor domestic production forecasts alongside export capacity in supplier countries and international price movements.
If domestic output of a commodity is expected to decline, the system would alert policymakers early enough to secure imports before shortages develop and prices rise.
Officials said the platform would also identify which exporting countries are likely to have sufficient supplies at the most competitive prices, enabling faster procurement decisions than the current process, which often requires lengthy coordination among multiple ministries.
The initiative will be developed jointly by the ministries responsible for commerce, agriculture, food and other sectors that oversee essential commodities.
In addition to government databases, the platform will draw on international open-source datasets and commercial market intelligence services to build a comprehensive repository for predictive analysis.
Authorities acknowledged that developing the system will require time and refinement but said its analytical capabilities are expected to improve as more data become available.
Once operational, officials expect it to generate market forecasts within minutes rather than relying on manual analysis and inter-ministerial consultations.
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