Dhaka, Dec. 28 -- The push to expand agro-processing is running up against a fundamental constraint: much of the country's farm output does not meet industrial specifications.

Despite frequent bumper harvests driven by fertile alluvial soil, ample freshwater and a monsoon-based agro-climate, processors say the quality of domestic produce often falls short of factory requirements.

The issue is not supply, but suitability. Undersized crops, high moisture content, low flesh yield and excessive seeds are common complaints, forcing processors to import raw materials and undermining efforts to build robust, value-added supply chains at home.

The country regularly produces large volumes of potatoes, tomatoes, chillies, carrots, guava, pineapp...