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News & Events
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News & Events
January 14, 2026

Country’s first agro-ecophysiology lab launched to tackle climate challenges

Bangladesh recorded an important advancement in agricultural research as Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) has recently set up the country’s first Agro-Ecophysiology laboratory on its campus. The laboratory, established with financial support from Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), was inaugurated on 11 January 2026. The laboratory is expected to play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil health and supporting the production of safe and nutritious food amid climate change challenges. The laboratory was inaugurated at the Dr. Kazi Badruddoza Research Centre of SAU by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Latif. 

PKSF’s Deputy Managing Director, Dr. Akond Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, attended the event as special guest. Speaking at the ceremony, he highlighted that while research enjoys substantial funding in many countries, Bangladesh faces significant limitations in this area. Despite these constraints, he reaffirmed PKSF’s commitment to ensuring that research activities at agricultural universities continue uninterrupted, with PKSF extending all possible support within its capacity.

Equipped with modern instruments, the laboratory will enable precise analysis of nutrient levels and harmful elements in soil and plants. It will facilitate the assessment of plant responses under stress conditions and support the application of smart agriculture technologies, including organic soil inputs and nanotechnology to improve soil health. These initiatives are expected to enhance crop productivity while ensuring food safety and nutritional quality.

SAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abdul Latif, Treasurer Professor Md. Abul Bashar, Dean (Post-Graduate) Dr M Salahuddin M Chowdhury, , and Director (Planning and Development) Professor Dr Md Sarwar Hossain, among others, were present during the inauguration ceremony.

By Ehsanul Habib
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News & Events
January 13, 2026

City Group-Prothom Alo Agriculture Award-2024

RMTP-supported five entrepreneurs awarded

To honor farmers, entrepreneurs, and agricultural scientists, the ‘City Group-Prothom Alo Agriculture Award-2024’ was held on 31 December 2024, at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital. A total of 1,064 applications were submitted for the awards. The jury, led by former Vice Chancellor and Professor Emeritus of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Dr MA Sattar Mandal, evaluated the submissions and selected the winners.

Eight individuals received awards in 6 categories, including a lifetime achievement award. Notably, five of the awardees were supported by PKSF’s RMTP project. Of them, young entrepreneur Md Golam Sarwar from Thakurgaon won in the ‘Best Agricultural Entrepreneur’ category for producing and marketing maize silage as cattle feed. Two RMTP-supported entrepreneurs received the ‘Best Woman in Agriculture’ award. Preetilata Tripura from Koila village in Khagrachari achieved remarkable success in black pepper cultivation. The other winner, Masuma Akter from Bogura, produces beef pickles and exports them to 17 countries. Md Shohidul Islam, another PKSF-supported entrepreneur from Kathalbari, Lalpur, Natore, received the ‘Best Agricultural Brand’ award for his branding of ‘Rosella Tea’. Additionally, Kazi Ashraful Hassan, Executive Director of Society Development Committee, a Partner Organization of PKSF, won the ‘Best Agricultural Innovation’ award for his work in household waste management and the production of organic fertilizer.

The awards were presented by former caretaker government advisor Hossain Zillur Rahman, the Chief Guest of the event. Matiur Rahman, Editor of Prothom Alo, and Zafor Uddin Siddiqui, Executive Director of City Group, handed over the crests to the awardees.

By Ehsanul Habib
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News & Events
January 13, 2026

Expansion of small-scale processing of agro-commodities

RMTP is promoting rural product commercialization through small-scale processing to reduce post-harvest losses of agro-commodities. The project has introduced a variety of products, including pumpkin pills (kumro bori), tomato sauce, dried cabbage, spice items, cold-pressed mustard oil, sunflower oil, rosella tea, coffee, banana chips, potato chips, dried mango, mango bar, ground nut fry, puffed rice, flattened rice, date palm jaggery, black piper powder, fruits juice and various pickles in different agro-business clusters across Bangladesh. The initiative aims to ensure safe production and enhance productivity by introducing machinery. Furthermore, the project has supported entrepreneurs in branding, packaging, certification, and marketing their products both online and offline. As a result, the entrepreneurs are now enjoying significant profits.

By Ehsanul Habib
13
News & Events
January 13, 2026

Ecological farming systems introduced for vegetable cultivation

The RMTP is promoting ecological farming technology for vegetable cultivation. The project farmers have received orientation on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), the use of organic pesticides, and organic fertilizers. Additionally, they have been trained to produce safe saplings using coco-media. According to the farmers, adopting ecological farming technology has reduced production costs compared to using chemical fertilizers, resulting in higher profitability than traditional (chemical-based) farming methods.

Vegetables grown through ecological farming are sold at premium prices due to increasing consumer health consciousness. Various supermarkets and safe food outlets are now demanding these safe vegetables. The project reports that farmers are cultivating a range of vegetables—such as brinjal, bottle gourd, cucumber, tomato, papaya, cauliflower, squash, chili, and sweet gourd—on an average 1.41-acre plots using ecological farming technology.

Currently, approximately 87,000 farmers are involved in cultivating safe vegetables on 30,000 hectares of land. An interim evaluation indicates that 65% of these farmers have increased their income by 40% through eco-friendly farming practices.

By Ehsanul Habib
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News & Events
October 23, 2024

IoT in fisheries sector

The Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping industries, allowing remote automation through interconnected hardware and software. RMTP has introduced an IoT-based water quality monitoring device for the fisheries sub-sector in Barishal, Khulna, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, and Chattogram. Entrepreneurs can now access real-time data on crucial water indicators like temperature, pH level, ammonia (NH3), dissolved oxygen (DO), and salinity directly on their Android mobile phones. This cutting-edge technology allows informed decision-making for optimal fish farming conditions. The IoT system goes beyond data provision; it automates water quality parameters maintenance. When levels dip, aerators activate, and lime is added, ensuring an ideal environment for fish health and growth. The project is successfully piloting 30 such demonstrations for fisheries sector and two demonstrations for vegetable sector.

By Ehsanul Habib
Chees
News & Events
October 23, 2024

Certified dairy products promoted through RMTP 

RMTP helps entrepreneurs introduce a range of diversified dairy products. These include sweets, curd, ghee, butter, buttermilk, and cheese. The milk used in these dairy products is collected from farmers who maintain GGAP compliance, ensuring high-quality standards. To support the entrepreneurs involved in the production of these dairy products, the project has provided comprehensive training on various business aspects such as production, processing, fortification, marketing, branding, and certification.

Besides, the project provides modern machineries to the farmers. As a result, 57 entrepreneurs have received BSTI and 41 have received ISO certificates. These certified products are now selling on online and offline marketing platforms. Also, they are exporting cheese and ghee to foreign markets. 

By Ehsanul Habib
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News & Events
October 23, 2024

Meat processing plant established

In Bogura, Al Hasan Siyam established a meat processing plant, named ‘Bogura Meat’, with the support of GUK, a project-implementing partner organization of PKSF. RMTP provided technical and marketing assistance for this initiative. Additionally, the project facilitated linkage between Bogura Meat and local livestock farmers who adhere to GGAP compliance in cattle rearing. At the plant, cattle are slaughtered in accordance with halal standards. The demand for processed meat is significantly high in the local market. Furthermore, Al Hasan Siyam sells 1,200 kgs of tenderloin, sirloin, short loin, and round-cut beef steaks to restaurants in Dhaka every week.

RMTP has helped establish six such meat processing plants across the country. Similarly, Mama-Bhagne Agro Safe Meat, a safe beef sales centre, at Shialkol in Sirajganj sadar, has achieved ISO certification through the technical support of National Development Programme (NDP), a pewrtner organization of PKSF. Abul Kalam Azad, owner of the meat firm, said since its launch in February, beef from an average of 45 cows is being sold every month in the establishment. It has gained recognition in the district as well.

Even the district livestock officers regularly purchase beef from there. It sells meat at market prices. There is a separate clean and hygienic area for slaughtering cattle there. After halal slaughter, the blood and waste of the cattle are buried under the ground.

By Ehsanul Habib
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News & Events
August 27, 2024

Double-deck trucks and boats for livestock transportation

RMTP, in collaboration with PKSF’s partner organizations, has introduced double-deck trucks and boats for livestock transportation. This innovative system allows for the simultaneous transport of small and large animals in separate decks. This way, the project aims to significantly decrease transportation expenses, leading to increased profits for farmers and traders.

By Ehsanul Habib
Drip
News & Events
August 25, 2024

Drip irrigation system expansion in horticulture sector

Drip irrigation is widely recognized as the most efficient water and nutrients delivery system for growing crops. By directly targeting the root zone of each plant, this system ensures that the right amount of water and nutrients is provided precisely when it is needed. Consequently, plants can grow optimally, resulting in improved yields and resource utilization.

RMTP has successfully introduced 15 drip irrigation systems across the country. The project has not only equipped farmers with an advanced technology but also fostered sustainable farming practices. By implementing drip irrigation on such a scale, the RMTP project has contributed significantly to water conservation efforts. This technology reduces water wastage by minimizing evaporation and runoff, allowing farmers to make the most of their available water resources.

By Ehsanul Habib
5
News & Events
August 25, 2024

Expansion of silage production business to ensure livestock cattle feed  

Silage is a type of fodder made from green foliage crops which have been preserved by fermentation to the point of acidification. It can be fed to cattle, sheep, and other such ruminants (cud-chewing animals). Making silage is an important way for farmers to feed cows and sheep during times when pasture isn’t favorable, such as the dry season.

RMTP established 70 demonstrations on silage production and provided entrepreneurs with the support of machinery purchase, market linkage and market promotion, both offline and online. Also, contract farming agreement was made between maize/grass growers and silage producers for the consistent supply of maize/grass to the silage factory. This initiative has led to a monthly production of 3,500 tonnes of silage. Additionally, 12,226 farmers are supplying maize/grass to the silage producers, while 33,757 farmers are purchasing the raw materials from them. This initiative has significantly enhanced the efficiency, productivity, and sales of silage producers. Moreover, it has resulted in a 25% increase of income for entrepreneurs and has created employment opportunities.

By Ehsanul Habib