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01 (13)
News & Events
April 2, 2024

Vegetable Export to UK, UAE

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.

By Ehsanul Habib
01 (8)
News & Events
April 2, 2024

Farmers in hills get support for farming high-value fruits

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.

By Ehsanul Habib
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News & Events
April 1, 2024

Establishing vaccine hubs in the grassroots

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.

By Ehsanul Habib
03
News & Events
April 1, 2024

Diversified milk products to fulfil demands of consumers

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

By Ehsanul Habib
01
News & Events
March 31, 2024

Managing Director of PKSF Inaugurates ‘Chuadanga Meat’ Enterprise of RMTP

Dr Nomita Halder ndc, Managing Director of PKSF, inaugurated ‘Chuadanga Meat Center’ established by WAVE Foundation, a Partner Organization PKSF, in Alamdanga Upazila of Chuadanga district under RMTP on 6 February 2024. Dr Halder conveyed her sincere appreciation to all for initiating this innovative endeavour. The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Dr Mostafizur Rahman, Upazila Livestock Officer, and Mohsin Ali, Executive Director of Wave Foundation.

In acknowledgment of the entrepreneurial risk inherent in this initiative, Dr. Halder extended a warm welcome to Mr. Jillur Rahman. She expressed her optimistic anticipation for the widespread acceptance of ‘Chuadanga Meat’ among the general populace. The inaugural ceremony was also graced by the presence of Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, Upazila Livestock Officer, and Mr. Mohsin Ali, Executive Director of Wave Foundation. This significant event marks a pivotal milestone in the collaborative efforts aimed at fostering sustainable economic development and promoting the welfare of communities within the region.

By Ehsanul Habib
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News & Events
March 31, 2024

PKSF Chairman visits field activities in Panchagarh and Thakurgaon

PKSF Chairman Dr M. Khairul Hossain visited various programs being implemented through ESDO, a Partner Organization (PO) of PKSF in Panchagarh and Thakurgaon districts from 12-14 February 2024.

At the beginning of the tour, he visited the tulip cultivation program in Tetulia. There he exchanged views with the farmers. They discussed the production process, market potential and future action plans. 

On the second day, Dr Khairul Hossain visited a tea garden and tea factories in Panchagarh. Then, he placed a wreath at Aparajeo 71 in Thakurgaon and paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War. Later, he visited a cheese factory, telemedicine centre and safe vegetable cultivation program under the RMTP project, implemented through ESDO.

Appreciating RMTP’s value chain activities, Dr Khairul Hossain said “Farmers here are getting good prices by producing and marketing safe vegetables through the project, which impressed me”.

The same day, he participated in a meeting at the ESDO office. In the meeting, he handed over the ISO certificates to seven entrepreneurs of RMTP and unveiled the ECO Animal Service Card. Then he joined a civic reception program followed by a cultural event.

PKSF Chairman, on 14 February, visited a folk museum established by ESDO. During the visit, PKSF’s Senior General Manager (Program) and Project Coordinator of the RMTP Dr Akond Md. Rafiqul Islam and ESDO’s Executive Director Dr Md Shahid Uz Zaman accompanied PKSF Chairman.  

By Ehsanul Habib
32 (3)
News & Events
January 22, 2024

Mid-Term Evaluation Findings and Result Sharing Workshop of RMTP

On December 7, 2023, a workshop titled ‘Mid-Term Evaluation Findings and Result Sharing Workshop of RMTP’ was conducted. Nobolok, a partner organization of PKSF, organized the event. Dr. Akand Md Rafiqul Islam, Senior General Manager of PKSF and Project Coordinator of RMTP, chaired the workshop and the Partner Organizations executive directors and directors, Project Focal and Project Manager/VCF of Khulna Division attended the workshop physically. Additionally, 100 participants of the same category from all the implementing POs of RMTP, and PMU of RMTP joined the workshop virtually.

During the workshop, Dr Islam presented the progress, lessons learned, mid-term evaluation findings, and results. He highlighted the significant progress made by the project within a short period, to the support of implementing partners. Mr Islam also mentioned that several agricultural products of RMTP are now available in the market with ISO, Halal, and BSTI certification and urged all POs to do the same. He shared the mid-term evaluation findings and IFAD mission findings with the participants.

Implementing partner organizations also took the opportunity to share their lessons learned, progress, and success stories during the workshop. The executive director of ESDO emphasized the importance of such events in facilitating mutual learning among partners regarding each other’s activities and innovative works. The workshop provided a platform for acquiring new ideas, and the hope is to implement similar activities in the field.

Implementing partner organizations also took the opportunity to share their lessons learned, progress, and success stories during the workshop. The executive director of ESDO emphasized the importance of such events in facilitating mutual learning among partners regarding each other’s activities and innovative works. The workshop provided a platform for acquiring new ideas, and the hope is to implement similar activities in the field.

By Ehsanul Habib
01 (5)
News & Events
January 17, 2024

Black Soldier Fly Larvae Emerges as a Sustainable Live Feed for Fish and Domestic Animals

On January 10, 2024, a workshop was conducted on “Black Soldier Fly Larvae Rearing for Live Feed for Fish and Domestic Animals through Waste Recycling” took place in the conference room of the Department of Fisheries at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). The main presentation was delivered by Professor Dr. Md. Abdus Salam from the Department of Aquaculture. Dr. A. K. M. Nowsad Alam, the Dean of the Department of Fisheries presided over the workshop, and Ripon Kumar Pal, fisheries officer from Mymensingh district, attended as the chief guest. Dr. M. Ali Reza Faruk, head of the department, also graced the occasion as a special guest. In addition to this, faculty members from the departments of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Economics, and Rural Sociology were present.

In the sharing workshop, study presenter Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, a faculty member of the Aquaculture Department, at Bangladesh Agricultural University said that the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens or BSF) is a species originally from South America. Still, it has become cosmopolitan, thriving in temperate climates across America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its name is derived from the colour of the adult flies, which are black with metallic reflections. These flies serve as an excellent source of animal protein viz. fish, egg-laying chickens, and poultry. 

When dried, they boast up to 50% high-quality protein. In this context, the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP), with the support of IFAD, DANIDA, and PKSF, conducted a study initiative through its implementing partner organization, Grameen Manobic Unnayan Sangstha (GRAMAUS). I have conducted the study “Establishment of a Suitable Culture Technique for Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) and its Suitability for Aquaculture Practices as an Alternative Fish Feed.” The study falls under the sub-project titled ‘Production and Marketing of Safe Fish & Fish Products,’ which has been implemented since July 1, 2022, as part of the broader RMTP initiative.

He also mentioned that the price of fish feed is increasing day by day. But the fish price is not increased in the same pattern. Also, there is a concern about commercial fish feed quality and growth performance. As a result, the fish producers are losing concern, and even they are demotivated for fish cultivation. To overcome the feed-related constraints, RMTP through the sub-project of GRAMAUS is to take endeavors to produce small-scale fish feed at the community level using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as a substitute/replacement for fish meal and/or meat & bone meal imported from aboard. But the BSFL culture is a new avenue in Bangladesh, hence it is necessary to conduct a trial work titled “Establishment of a Suitable Culture Technique for Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) and its Suitability for Aquaculture Practices as an Alternative Fish Feed.”

Key Discussion Points: In the workshop Professor Salam highlight few key points among the participants and journalist.

Life Cycle of BSF: He also said, a BSF life cycle goes for about 25-26 days depending on the environmental conditions present, including light, temperature, and/or humidity. BSF has five major stages in its life cycle, including egg, larvae, pre-pupae, pupae, and adult. The egg marks the start of the BSF life cycle. An adult female BSF lays 200-700 eggs near an organic waste source in crevices that offer protection to the eggs against predators and direct sunlight, which might result in dehydration. The BSF larvae go through 6 stages from the first instar to the sixth instar (prepupal stage). 

As the larvae grow from the first instar to the last instar stage, they increase in size and weight, as well as change in colour from cream to brown. The growth of the larvae usually takes 10-14 days under optimal conditions, i.e. good abiotic conditions, good quality and quantity feed substrate. prepupa is the last larval stage of the BSF. The colour changes from dark brown to charcoal grey and the larvae’s mouthparts are replaced with a hook-shaped structure.

The growth of the prepupa usually takes 2-3 days under optimal conditions. When the prepupae find a suitable place, it become immobile and stiff forming the pupae. The growth of the pupa usually takes 2-3 days. The life span of the adult BSF is about 5-8 days. The Adult BSF fly has both male and female flies. The flies look similar, but the female flies are usually bigger than the males. 

The sole purpose of the adults is to mate and lay eggs for the continuation of the colony. The adult BSF do not feed but only drink water. Unlike the BSF larvae that have well-developed mouthparts, the adult flies have sponging mouthparts for consuming liquids only.

Challenges of BSF Farming: The presenter highlighted a few challenges in the workshop. He mentioned BSF farming is a novel concept in Bangladesh, but it encounters several challenges. There is a lack of awareness among the people regarding BSF farming, and it is crucial to advocate for its potential benefits to the government. Additionally, the initial setup cost for the BSF production system is high. Ensuring a consistent and sufficient supply of organic waste for the BSF poses another challenge. Moreover, there is a lack of certification for BSFL as feed. Simultaneously, public perception regarding the smell around BSFL rearing areas is a prevalent concern.      

Sustainability: He also mentioned the sustainability of BSF farming. He said, BSFL can be farmed using food waste, presenting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach compared to the feed utilized in traditional livestock farming:

  • Efficiency: BSFL exhibit high efficiency in converting organic waste into edible material, surpassing traditional livestock.
  • Resource Requirements: They demand minimal land, water, and resources for breeding and rearing.
  • Environmental Impact: BSFL farming produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional livestock rearing.
  • Nutritional Value: BSFL are rich in protein, calcium, iron, and fats, making them suitable for various feeds and foods.
  • Versatility: BSFL can be utilized in animal feed, pet food, and human food products.
  • Ethical Farming: BSF larvae farming is straightforward, and the overall farming process is more ethical.
  • Organic Waste Recycling: Recycling organic waste through BSFL is a sustainable and cost-effective process that promotes resource recovery, generating nutrient-rich maggots and frass.

Session Discussion:  After the presentation, the participants provided feedback and expressed concerns about BSF farming. Mr. Ripon Kr. Pal, District Fisheries Officer, Mymensingh, addressed the audience, stating, “We are aware that there is no government subsidy in the fisheries sector. The cost of fish farming, including food and other supplementary products, is increasing day by day, but the farmers are managing it themselves. In light of this, the research paper presented at today’s workshop reveals that black soldier fly larvae could serve as an alternative to traditional fish food. This is promising news for the fish farming industry. I will inform all Upazila Fisheries Officers to expedite the replication of this method among farmers in their respective Upazilas as soon as possible.

Furthermore, Md. Fazlur Rahaman, Director of GRAMAUS in Mymensingh, emphasized that many fish farmers in the Mymensingh region have abandoned fish farming due to increased fish feed prices. He suggested that the promotion of black soldier fly farming could revive interest among farmers in engaging in fish farming once again.

Dr Md. Ali Reza, Head of the Department of Aquaculture at BAU, Mymensingh, expressed concern, stating that the increasing cost of fish food poses a challenge for farmers, as they are not receiving proportionate prices for their fish. He emphasized the necessity for innovative alternatives to address this issue. The research presented today on the black soldier fly confirms that the larvae of this fly can serve as a safe and viable alternative feed for fish.

Furthermore, Dr. Md. Masum Ahemed, Professor in the Entomology Department at BAU, Mymensingh, mentioned that the university is actively engaged in entomology. The innovative work being done, as highlighted by Professor Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, aligns with the department’s goals. He expressed gratitude and thanks to all those involved on behalf of the department.

Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Sadder, Head of the Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics at BAU, Mymensingh, highlighted the escalating costs of fish farming and the simultaneous decline in dietary protein availability. He noted from today’s report that black soldier fly larvae exhibit high levels of protein, which is a positive aspect in addressing the current challenges in fish farming.

Dr Bapon Dey, Head of the Department of Poultry Science at BAU, Mymensingh, expressed his perspective, stating, “Coming from the poultry sector, upon reviewing the report, I believe that, in addition to its application in fish farming, black soldier fly could emerge as a crucial substitute for soybeans in poultry. I also believe that research of this nature should be conducted more extensively.”

Dr. Muhamod Mehedi Hasan, Head of the Department of Fisheries Technology (FT) at BAU, Mymensingh, emphasized the need for additional research to determine the impact of using black soldier fly larvae on the growth of carp fish and catfish when used as food.

Dr Johir Rayhan, Proprietor of Niharika Fisheries & Hatchery Private Ltd, lauded the innovative initiative for the Mymensingh region. He suggested that BAU, Mymensingh, BFRI, the Department of Fisheries, GRAMAUS, and other Non-Governmental Organizations should take a leading role in scaling up black soldier fly farming to sustain commercial fisheries in the region.

Mr Mahabubul Hasan (Shaheen), a Freelancing Consultant on Feed Meal in the Fish Sector in Bangladesh, pointed out that the cost of good-quality fish feed has increased by BDT 100-200 per kg in the last year, posing a significant obstacle to fish farming. He believes that if black soldier fly larvae can be produced in sufficient quantities, it could play a crucial role in addressing such food-related challenges.

Dr. AKM Nowshad Alom, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, commended the study as excellent. On behalf of the faculty, he expressed thanks and gratitude to Professor Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, GRAMAUS, and PKSF for implementing this innovative activity. He pledged the Faculty of Fisheries’ full support to facilitate its success.

Conclusion: At the conclusion of the workshop, the chairperson stated that the adult black soldier fly is typically not considered a pest. Given that the larvae have demonstrated effective manure recycling capabilities, the proposed “Black Soldier Fly Manure Management System” aims not only to reduce livestock waste but also to create a food source for fish and other animals. In summary, it is evident that BSF can be considered a viable alternative food for fish and a valuable ingredient in organic fertilizers.

By Ehsanul Habib
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News & Events
September 25, 2023

Nutrition Campaign to Empower and Educate Citizens

On September 7, 2023, the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP) organized a nutrition campaign in collaboration with the partner organization, Proyas Manobik Unnayan Society, in Chapainawabganj.

The campaign was designed to engage the community through a set of diverse activities, including live food demonstrations, a rally, Gombhira songs, drama, open discussions, and a quiz competition. Approximately 600 people, including students and youths, participated in the campaign.

RMTP’s nutrition campaign serves as a commendable initiative, not only empowering and educating citizens but also reinforcing the significance of a well-balanced diet, hygiene practices, and safe food handling methods in enhancing the overall well-being of the community.

Ms Mariel Zemarmeal, Programme Officer at IFAD Bangladesh; Dr Akond Md. Rafiqul Islam, Project Coordinator of RMTP, PKSF; Ms Farhana Urmee, Communications Advisor of IFAD Bangladesh; the Executive Director of PROYAS; officers from the district civil surgeon’s office; officers from the district food safety authority; and PMU officials of RMTP also attended the event.

By Ehsanul Habib
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News & Events
September 21, 2023

Associate Vice President of IFAD expressed his satisfaction over the activities of RMTP

On August 22, 2023, Dr. Donald Brown, the Associate Vice President of IFAD, visited the activities of RMTP at PKSF’s PO ESDOs field in the Thakurgaon district. During his visit, he visited several activities of the project such as transformation of milk into cheese, the processing of grass into silage, and the production and marketing of safe vegetables. Dr. Brown expressed his admiration for the remarkable progress achieved by the project. Accompanying him on this visit were Mr. Md. Fazlul Kader, Additional Managing Director of PKSF, Dr. Arnoud Hameleers, Country Director of IFAD Bangladesh Office, Dr. Akand Md. Rafiqul Islam, Senior General Manager of PKSF, and Dr. Md. Shahid Uz Zaman, Executive Director of ESDO.

By Ehsanul Habib