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.
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.
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.
Humayun Kabir from Tangail’s Ghatail upazila runs a 51-acre agricultural farm with pineapple and G-9 bananas cultivated on several acres. Inspired by a local farmer’s use of modern sprinkler technology, he installed it on his farm recently for Tk1.20 lakh.
“Sprinkler irrigation has clear benefits compared to traditional methods. The installation cost will be offset by the system’s lower electricity consumption and improved yields,” he told.
By adopting sprinkler irrigation, Tangail’s fruit farmers like Humayun are revolutionising the cultivation of dragon fruit, pineapples, and bananas.
Farmers and agriculture officials said some are now considering this method for growing other fruits due to its ability to drastically reduce costs, as well as save water and irrigation time.
A sprinkler irrigation device sprays water over crops, mimicking rainfall. It distributes water evenly across fields, helping plants grow while conserving water.
Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) officials, citing research, said sprinkler or drip irrigation cuts electricity bills by 75%, reduces water wastage by 80%, and lowers labour costs. Irrigation that took four days previously can be done in just 24 hours.
According to farmers, manual irrigation of a one-bigha dragon fruit orchard typically consumes electricity costing Tk7,000-Tk12,000 annually.
In comparison, sprinkler irrigation reduces the cost to Tk4,000-Tk7,000, while drip irrigation lowers it further to Tk 2,000-Tk 3,000.
A drip irrigation device delivers water directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes and emitters.
Manual irrigation requires around 60 lakh litres of water per bigha. In contrast, according to farmers’ accounts, sprinkler irrigation uses 36 lakh litres, and drip irrigation significantly reduces it to 18 lakh litres.
Society for Social Service (SSS), a private organisation, has introduced this technology to farmers in Tangail.
The Agricultural Extension Department also recognised it as a timely integration. Kabir Hossain, deputy director of Tangail Agricultural Extension Department, told, “This is excellent for commercial gardeners. These methods have long been used in developed countries, and based on our climate, they need to be further integrated into agriculture.”
Alek Sikdar from Tangail’s Ghatail upazila cultivated dragon fruits on 13 acres of land, benefiting greatly from sprinkler technology. He said, “This irrigation method keeps the plants and fruits refreshed. There is no doubt the sprinkler system introduced by SSS is a farmer-friendly technology.”
Abdul Hamid Bhuiyan, executive director of the SSS, said, “Tangail is a major hub for fruit production. We aim to foster the growth of improved, safe crops using modern agricultural systems that conserve water and reduce costs.”
According to the district Agricultural Extension Department, around 19,000 hectares of land in Tangail are used to cultivate fruits like mango, jackfruit, and pineapple. Groundwater is also required for these crops. With many farmers in Madhupur and Ghatail upazilas now adopting water-efficient modern irrigation systems, groundwater will be conserved to some extent.
Farmers said previously they used pipes to water the farmland, but this method didn’t effectively reach the tree leaves.
“With the installation of the sprinklers, all the plants in the garden receive even watering. This has lowered costs and increased yield. In the future, I plan to use the sprinkler system for irrigating other crops as well,” said Md Abdur Rashid from Ghatail.
Agricultural scientists said adverse weather conditions are reducing fruit nutrition and flavour. However, if plants receive water through a sprinkler or a drip irrigation system, along with necessary nutrients, the fruit will be both nutritious and tasty.
In response, a sub-project is being carried out under the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP) to extend and market high-value fruit varieties.
Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, PKSF, and Denmark’s Danida, the project aims to improve incomes by providing quality services, materials, technology, and market access, thereby boosting productivity.
PKSF Managing Director Nomita Halder told TBS, “This project is enhancing the income of ordinary people by offering quality services, ensuring market linkages for products, and increasing productivity.”
The initiative is active in 12 districts, including Tangail, Naogaon, Dinajpur, Khagrachari, Chattogram, and Mymensingh, with at least 58,000 farmers adopting modern technology.
RMTP has completed an extensive pesticide residual test involving 12 different vegetable samples. The primary objective of this test was to assess the presence of potentially harmful pesticide residues in the produce under examination. These tests encompassed vegetables cultivated by the project-supported farmers as well as those collected from farmers excluding of the project.
The results of this investigation have generated optimism, as none of the samples from the project-supported farmers tested positive for any harmful pesticide residues. However, harmful pesticide residues were detected from the vegetables outside the project. The positive aspect of this development is that farmers participating in the safe vegetable production initiative are now higher prices for their crops compared to the past.
RMTP project successfully expanded G-9 banana production by distributing 47,000 G-9 banana seedlings among 235 farmers in Tangail and Mymensingh districts, which is producing on 470 acres of land. In addition to the seedlings, the project has provided comprehensive training, technical knowledge, and safe production methods for cultivating bananas, as well as guidance on effective marketing strategies. Furthermore, the project has established market linkages with potential export organizations, allowing the bananas to be sold not only in local markets but also in the international markets. The farmers who have adopted G-9 banana cultivation have experienced significant profits, doubling their earnings compared to other banana varieties. This success has generated considerable interest among other farmers who now wish to cultivate G-9 bananas. Recognizing this demand, the project has facilitated connections between enthusiastic farmers and G-9 banana seedling suppliers, fostering a sustainable supply chain for future expansion.
Papia, a housewife of Bahiman village at Ullapara of Sirajganj, has set an example of how one can become self-reliant by supplying beef, processed in a safe way, to the market. She recently sold a cow for Tk3.8 lakh that she had bought at Tk30,000 two and a half years ago. She still has over 30 similar improved-breed cows in her farm. Her journey began seven years ago, when her husband Shaheen, having incurred losses in his grocery business, began raising two bulls they had at home.
A training in livestock farming, business management, and cattle rearing from the Department of Youth Development proved a boon for her, leading her to becoming a successful entrepreneur in safe meat.
According to the district livestock office, there are 6.25 lakh cattle available for sacrifice this year in Sirajganj, with a market value of approximately Tk2,500 crore. This is expected to yield farmers a profit of at least Tk500 crore.
With financial support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), and Danish International Development Agency along with the Department of Livestock Services in Sirajganj, non-governmental development organisation National Development Programme (NDP) is implementing the production and marketing of safe meat and milk under Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP).
According to information from the organisation, 28,000 farmers in Pabna and Sirajganj have been trained in safe beef production methods. In these farms, 1.02 lakh cattle have been raised using safe practices.
Under the project in 12 districts across the country, including Bogura, Thakurgaon, and Bhola, 2 lakh 1 thousand 480 farmers and entrepreneurs are engaged in cattle rearing funded by foreign investments, using safe methods.
Nomita Halder, managing director of PKSF, told TBS that the project is playing a role in expanding businesses and increasing the income of nearly three lakh poor people involved in the livestock sector.
“Safe meat and dairy products produced under the project are already making their mark in domestic and international markets. Successful entrepreneurs are contributing to the national economy by exporting their products (such as meat pickles and cheese) abroad,” she said.
Farmers say that they are currently receiving much more technical, technological, and marketing support than before. They are being introduced to modern veterinary care, which is making the production of safe meat easier, they say.
According to officials, 1,577 livestock service providers have trained 1,41,546 farmers all over the country under the project. In addition to safely raising cattle, the livestock service providers are also utilising cow dung to produce organic fertiliser. Sirajganj is one of the prominent districts involved in the initiative.
Mama-Bhagne Agro Safe Meat, a safe beef sales centre, at Shialkol in Sirajganj sadar, has achieved ISO certification. 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.
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.
Alauddin Khan, executive director of NDP, said, “Due to safe practices, Bengal Meat has already purchased 2,382 cows from the area. The beef is being supplied to Shwapno outlets as well. We are working to create successful entrepreneurs with various forms of financial assistance, market preparation, and training. And indirectly, thousands of people have found employment opportunities through cattle farming.”
Sirajganj district livestock officer Md Omar Faruque said modern methods have been adopted while establishing the meat sales centre at Shialkol.
“I myself have visited there. Before the cattle are slaughtered, it has its own quarantine arrangements. A veterinarian examines the cattle to see if they are healthy before slaughtering. Healthy cattle are slaughtered using scientific methods. This ensures the nutritional value of the beef remains intact. Overall, it can be said to be safe meat,” he said.
Faruque also said, “We are now working to popularise the method so that more youth get encouraged in the field. Training arrangements are being made for farmers. They are also playing a significant role in controlling animal diseases, especially through vaccination programmes. Safe meat production is increasing. There is also a growing demand in the market. New entrepreneurs are emerging.”
https://www.tbsnews.net/agriculture/modern-cattle-farming-generates-safe-meat-demand-rise-878416
Suraiya Farhana Reshma considers herself part of an “agricultural revolution” sweeping through Bogura, which aims to replace chemical fertilisers with organic alternatives. She now earns Tk2.5 lakh per month producing organic fertilisers on her farm, using earthworms and dung. The venture, which employs 15 people, has transformed her economic situation and turned her into an advocate for environmental preservation.
Her vision and hard work have also earned her several national awards. Starting from a modest background, her net wealth now exceeds Tk2 crore. Promoting the slogan of preserving ecological balance, she has already trained around 700 people to produce organic fertilisers in the district.
“Hundreds of unemployed men and women are turning to organic fertiliser production. Public-private initiatives and assistance have also increased. We plan to create large-scale pesticide-free agricultural areas in the future,” Reshma told TBS.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Bogura, at least 1.83 lakh tonnes of organic fertilisers worth over Tk273 crore are produced in the district annually. The price of one kg of organic fertiliser is around Tk15.
Big companies, including ACI, purchase organic fertilisers from producers in Bogura and sell them under their own brands and packaging.
Organic fertiliser entrepreneurs in Bogura and nearby districts also receive training from private organisations, such as Gram Unnayan Karma (GUK) under Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP).
This NGO has trained 30 entrepreneurs in producing organic fertilisers commercially. They produce and market at least 1,551 tonnes of compost every month. According to sources, they sell organic fertilisers worth Tk11.6 crore annually, collecting dung from 7,000 local farmers.
The project is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), and Danish International Development Agency. About 22,670 farmers use the fertilisers produced through the project in Bogura alone.
Dr Md Mahbub Alam, senior director of Gram Unnyan Karma, told TBS, “Due to the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, crops or milk and meat are full of poisons. They have long-term adverse effects on our health. For this reason, along with government institutions, we are working with the farmers to produce safe vegetables, fish and meat.”
One of the farmers involved in the project, Zainab Khatun from Sherpur upazila, has cultivated vegetables on one bigha of land using organic fertilisers. She said, “Organic fertilisers are our only way to produce poison-free vegetables. People now want to live in a healthy way.”
Rashedul Islam from the Shialkol area of Sirajganj began producing organic fertilisers after being trained at several government and private organisations. His farm produces at least 50 tonnes of organic fertilisers per month. He plans to increase production to between 150 and 200 tonnes per month next year.
Rashedul Islam further mentioned that entrepreneurs sell their manufactured fertilisers through their own Facebook pages, through big traders, and directly to farmers.
Entrepreneurs say the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) is helping them with training, cash assistance, and setting up machines and compost plants.
Officials at PKSF say that 352 commercial organic fertilisers production factories will be established in the country, with 174 already being in production. These factories are collectively selling about 5,000 tonnes of fertilisers per month and have created employment for hundreds of people.
Dr Nomita Halder, managing director of PKSF, said, “We are working to improve the quality of life by supporting those involved in safe food production. Various materials and technologies are being made available to entrepreneurs for this purpose.”
Farmers in the area are increasingly adopting organic fertilisers because they are cost-effective and provide better yields.
Afzal Hossain, a farmer from Shajahanpur upazila, has been using organic fertilisers for a long time. He said, “Vegetable plants are more vibrant and strong with this fertiliser. The soil condition also remains good. Organic fertilisers cost half as much as chemical fertilisers. The yield is also higher.”
Shubhagat Bagchi, deputy director of Bogura Rural Development Academy, stated that yields increase by 25% to 30% with organic fertilisers compared to chemical ones.
He was involved in research on the impact of organic fertilisers in Bogura, Naogaon, Gaibandha, Jaipurhat, and Sirajganj a few years ago.
“Organic fertilisers are very beneficial for the soil. Our research also shows that once farmers use organic fertilisers, they no longer rely on chemical fertilisers. The trend of using organic fertilisers has increased among farmers,” he said.
Agricultural scientists highlight several benefits of using organic fertilisers, including improved air movement in the soil, better water retention, maintaining the right temperature, and enhanced soil structure.
Dr Rahedul Islam Rahi, associate professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at Pabna University of Science and Technology, said that producing organic fertilisers from cow dung reduces methane production. “Its use improves soil quality, reduces farmers’ production costs, and creates a means of obtaining safe food,” he explained.
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.
