The National inception workshop of the smallholder agricultural competitiveness project (SACP-RAINS) (Smallholder Agricultural Competitiveness Project-Diversified Resilient Agriculture for Improved Food and Nutrition Securities) was held in the Sech Bhaban auditorium of the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation in Manik Mia Avenue .
The workshop, initiated by SACP-RAINS, was graced by the chief guest Dr. Malay Choudhury, additional secretary of Ministry of Agriculture.
Md. Tajul Islam Patwary, director general in-charge and director of the Field Services Wing of the Department of Agricultural Extension, presided over the programme while Project Director, Dr. Muhammad Emdadul Haque delivered the welcome speech and presented the keynote paper.
The chief guest mentioned that the SACP-RAINS project is being implemented in 90 upazilas of 20 districts across three types of climate-vulnerable hotspots: coastal areas, river erosion zones and char estuaries, and drought-prone areas.
The project aims to increase the income and improve the living standards of 670,000 smallholder farmers. To achieve this goal, the leading implementing agency, the Department of Agricultural Extension, has been working in coordination with the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation, and the Department of Agricultural Marketing. This integrated approach within the Ministry of Agriculture is part of an innovative initiative.
“I earnestly hope that all stakeholders and associated institutions participating in today’s workshop will reach a consensus on ideas and practical strategies that will help formulate and implement specific activities for SACP-RAINS. The sustainable technologies, necessary inputs, and training provided to assist smallholder farmers within the project should enhance their production, consumption, and marketing activities’ Dr Malay Choudhury said.
The Director General remarked that within 50 years of achieving our great independence, we have managed to increase the production of our main staple crop, rice, by four times. Additionally, the production of vegetables and fruits has significantly increased.
This progress has been greatly supported by agricultural education, research, inputs, and extension services. All stakeholders involved in policy formulation and implementation on behalf of the government deserve credit for this achievement.
Especially, the hardworking farmers of this country have been playing a proud role in this achievement generation after generation. SACP-RAINS will further accelerate their activities.
The workshop was attended by special guests Md. Mahbubul Haque Patwary, additional secretary of Ministry of Agriculture; Md. Majibar Rahman, member director, BADC; Masud Karim, director general, Department of Agricultural Marketing; Mr. Debasish Sarkar, director general of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute.
Among others. Rilla Krik, programme officer of IFAD, Bangladesh; Dia Sanou, deputy country representative of FAO; Rudaba Khandoker, country director of GAIN; field-level participants such as Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, Upazila Agriculture Officers, journalists, and esteemed farmers were also present.
