To oversee the progress of project implementation, Muhammad Amin Sharif, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, visited Chittagong on April 14, 2023, to assess the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project activities. These activities are being implemented by the partner organization YPSA. Mr Sharif expressed his satisfaction with the initiatives, particularly highlighting the commendable efforts in safe cattle rearing and the production of processed milk products such as ghee, curd, buttermilk, and sweets.
The Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP) is currently helping entrepreneurs produce 3,400 tonnes of vermicompost throughout the country, valued at around BDT 34 million, every month. These initiatives not only help farmers contribute to the greater development of the country but also promote environmental conservation by producing and distributing biofertilizers.
Five Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP)-supported farmers are exporting safe vegetables to the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. SDC, a PO of PKSF, are looking after them in the field. The farmers achieved a 25% price increase per kilogram in their export items including high-quality brinjals and beans. These vegetables are recognized for their adherence to safety standards, enhancing the farmers’ economic growth and establishing a positive reputation of Bangladesh in international markets.
With the active assistance of the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project, YPSA, a Partner Organization of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), works to support local farmers in Sitakunda and Mirsharai upazilas of the hill district of Chattogram to cultivate high-value fruits and crops in hilly soils under the RMTP. As part of this initiative, 50 farmers have received 5,000 coffee seedlings and another 50 farmers have been provided with 1,200 cashew nut seedlings. These previously import-oriented crops are now fostering new aspirations among the local farming communities. The cashew nut trees are currently in bloom, raising hopes among farmers for a profitable yield.
The livestock sector continues to face significant challenges, with high mortality and morbidity rates among cattle being particularly concerning. To address this issue, RMTP has established 175 vaccine hubs across 36 upazilas in 12 districts. This initiative aims to provide regular, high-quality vaccination services to approximately 650,000 livestock, including cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep, benefiting 200,000 farmers annually. Furthermore, efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy include training around 2,000 skilled vaccinators and educating 200,000 farmers through comprehensive training programs.
Bangladesh’s dairy industry is meeting the growing demand for milk products by diversifying products. To meet an ever-increasing demand and reduce import dependency, RMTP has introduced various initiatives to produce a wide range of high-quality milk-based products. These include sweets, curd, ghee, cheese, butter, and buttermilk. These products are now easily accessible online and offline, offering better customer experiences. For details, please click on the link https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/industry/mozzarella-cheese-women-thakurgaon-who-work-wonders-805490