Seminar Reveals New Outlook on Char Agri-Input Market, Unveiling Promising Opportunities

Entrepreneurial ecosystems
26.10.2023
The recent event, "Unveiling Potential in the Char: Agro Input Opportunities," showcased the remarkable strides made by the Making Markets Work for the Jamuna, Padma, and Teesta Chars (M4C) project. Held at the Utshab Banquet Hall, Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, this gathering marked a positive change in the agro-input sector of the char regions of Bangladesh.

M4C has a strong focus on improving the agricultural sector by addressing crucial issues in the market for farming supplies. The goal is to make high-quality seeds, balanced fertilisers, and effective crop protection products more accessible in the char lands of the country. By doing this, M4C helps communities in char areas thrive, even when faced with uncertain environmental conditions. This event has been organized to share valuable insights and experiences gained over 12 years of dedicated work in char regions through the M4C project. The aim is to create a meaningful conversation between M4C, and public-private stakeholders that provide agro-inputs. The event intends to highlight the significant potential and opportunities for agro-input companies to expand their operations in these regions and demonstrate M4C's success in promoting inputs that can withstand the challenges of climate change.

Mujibul (Cezanne) Hasan, Country Director of Swisscontact Bangladesh, in his welcoming speech, highlighted the event's significance as a platform for sharing invaluable insights, showcasing agro-input potential, and strengthening connections among M4C, private sector agro-input companies, and associations. Md. Khurshid Iqbal Rezvi, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogura, expressed delight in witnessing the enthusiasm and commitment of all stakeholders toward the development of the char region.

This event featured notable guests including Mr. Anwar Faruque, who serves as an Advisor to the Bangladesh Seed Association (BSA) and has a distinguished career history as the retired Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Furthermore, Mr. Hamidur Rahman, the former Director-General of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), graced the occasion with his invaluable expertise. In attendance was also Md Tajul Islam Patwary, the Director of the Field Crops Wing within the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), and Syeda Zinia Rashid, PhD, who holds the esteemed position of Senior Programme Officer at The Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh. Mr. Md. Reaz Uddin Ahmed, who currently holds the position of Joint-Secretary General at the Bangladesh Crop Protection Association (BCPA), was among the distinguished guests. Additionally, Mr. A.H.M. Humayun Kabir, the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Seed Association (BSA) and Managing Director of Supreme Seed Company Ltd, graced the event with his presence.

Key takeaways from the event encompassed a deeper understanding of the agro-input market potential in the char region, the vast opportunities for agro-input companies to explore expansion, strengthened connections among stakeholders, and an increased awareness of climate-resilient agro-input products. The event featured a diverse program, including presentations, panel discussions, experience-sharing sessions, and speeches from esteemed guests, all underscoring the significant potential of agro-input products in Bangladesh's char region.

2012 - 2024
Bangladesh
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
Making Markets Work for the Jamuna, Padma and Teesta Chars (M4C)
To reduce vulnerability and increase wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalised char dwellers living in the northern char region of Bangladesh. Chars are riverine land, susceptible to erosion and soil deposition, which remain disconnected from mainland either seasonally or throughout the year. Due to this unique geographical positioning,...