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January 22, 2024

Belal Makes Double Profit to Cultivate High-Yield Vegetable

Belal Hossain, a 40-year-old farmer from the Punchbibi sub-district of Joypurhat, has been cultivating vegetables, paddy, and other crops on his lands for a long time, but he found it to be not very profitable. To support his family’s needs, he had to take lease lands from others. However, the income he generated was barely enough to manage his two daughters’ education costs. Feeling frustrated, Belal started seeking new techniques and methods of cultivation.

Fortunately, Belal has been a member of the microcredit group of PKSF’s Partner Organization, JAKAS Foundation for the last eight years. He was selected as a project participant for the “Eco-friendly vegetable cultivation and marketing” sub-project, which is being implemented by JAKAS and supported by PKSF, IFAD, and DANIDA under the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP).

As part of the sub-project, Belal received training on eco-friendly vegetable cultivation, nutrition, environment, and social issues. He tested the soil quality and sowed 1600 broccoli seedlings in 16 decimals of land. Additionally, he cultivated master oil seeds around the broccoli cultivated area. Within 25-60 days, he harvested broccoli and sold each piece for BDT 30 to local traders. He earned BDT 48,000 by selling broccoli and another 1500 taka from the master oil seeds.

Project intervention of RMTP

Profitability of 22 demos of RMTP

- Training on eco-friendly vegetable cultivation
- Market linkage
- Demo plot established
- Pesticide residual test support

- Land usages for vegetable cultivation 276 decimals
- Production cost total 234,075 BDT
- Produced 31,411 kilograms of vegetables
- Total sales reached 527,450 BDT

Following the success of this year’s cultivation, Belal is planning to cultivate broccoli in 50 decimals of land next year. He is currently cultivating other vegetables on the said land, following the guidelines of eco-friendly vegetable cultivation. With his new techniques and knowledge, Belal has made double the profit and is now able to support his family’s needs better.

By Ehsanul Habib
Stories
January 22, 2024

Commercial Production of Packaged Milk Begins in Barishal

Mirza Ifte Khairul Hossain is a prosperous dairy entrepreneur who initiated his business on January 1, 2020, by producing 5 kg of milk on his own farm. Initially, he sold milk in plastic bottles to various grocery stores. However, due to poor packaging quality, and lack of marketing techniques, he experienced insufficient client response. In 2022, Mirza Ifte Khairul Hossain was selected as a participant in the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP) of PKSF. Then he received training under the RMTP on the production, packaging, marketing and branding of safe milk products. He also received a grant from the project to establish a modern chilling plant and packaging machine. Subsequently, the RMTP project made a linkage with contract farmers to increase the production of packaged milk.

Mirza Ifte Khairul has successfully transitioned his business to selling packaged milk by leveraging modern chilling plants and milk packaging machines. In addition, he has developed his own company ‘Mirza Corporation’. In Barishal city, his company now manufactures and sells 450 liters of packaged milk every day, with 150 liters from his own farm and the rest 300 liters from 35 contracted farms.

Besides, he uses ICT technology to keep updated business records and digital payment methods. He has also secured a BSTI license, a trade license from the City Corporation of Barishal, and a health and hygiene license from the Civil Surgeon’s office to ensure the smooth operation of his business.

At present, Mirza Ifte earns BDT 1,08,000 per month by selling milk. He dreams of establishing the ‘Mirza Agro Farm’ brand and selling milk throughout the country. He has also planned to produce ghee, sweets, and curd in his product line.

By Ehsanul Habib
Stories
January 22, 2024

Kawsar’s Remarkable Journey of Transformation

Kawsar, a 32-year-old, grew up in a disadvantaged family as the youngest of four siblings. His journey began with selling vegetables alongside his father during his childhood. In 2008, he launched a mobile shop specializing in crab sales on Kuakata Beach, using 400 takas as capital. During this time, he successfully generated a daily income of 600 taka by selling 2 kg of crab fry. In 2010 he expanded his business by opening a small-scale establishment, offering lobster, crab, hilsa fry, and even a coffee shop. In 2014, recognizing the growing demand for fish and crab fry, he took a step by launching ‘Kaosar Bhai’s Fish Fry,’ restaurant. At the peak of this venture, he was selling approximately 150 kg of fish and 100 kg of crab every month. Mr. Kawsar collected and preserved fish by using traditional methods. He had to decline his customer base due to serving unhealthy food and not maintaining hygiene properly.  

In 2022, he was included as a member of the value chain sub-project titled ‘Production and Marketing of Safe Fishery Products,’ which is implemented by CODEC, a partner organization of PKSF, as part of the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP). The project provided him with training on maintaining hygiene and producing diversified products, such as (fish burgers, fish balls, fish chips etc). Additionally, a modern table fridge is also supported to him. The project supported him with BDT 100,000 (one lakh) grants and extended a loan of BDT 100,000 (one Lakh) to expand his business.

This is the inception of his smart venture. Currently, there are six skilled employees in his company. The customer base gradually increasing because of the skilled employees, who are dedicated to preparing food by maintaining proper hygiene and serving food by using cold-pressed sunflower oil to meet customer demands. Furthermore, he has provided comfortable seating options with tables, chairs, and benches for customers to enhance both the aesthetics of the shop and the longevity of the food, he also utilizes glass enclosures for food display.

Currently, he collected a variety of fish from rivers and seas, including (Vetki, Hilsa, Lobster, Roopchanda, Tuna, Red Coral, Lakshya, Vole Coral, Shurma, Rupsa, Octopus, Squid, Crab, Red and White Sniper, Salmon etc), he prepares these fish by frying or barbecuing them, and then sells and delivers them to hotels. In addition to direct sales, he also sells various types of river and sea fish prepared as fried and barbecued dishes through platforms like Facebook, IMO, and mobile calls. Every month, he sells approximately 750 kg of fish and 300 kg of crab, with a total of around BDT 60,000 (six lakhs). Excluding all expenses, his net profit amounts to 2 lakh takas.

Kawsar’s dream is to create a brand known as “Kawsar Bhai’s Fish Fry Ghar,” with a mission to provide consumers with safe, ready-to-eat fish products delivered directly to their homes. By seeing the success of Mr. Kawser, several fish fry shops hygienically serve food along with lucrative decoration. Local government officials and local administrations lauded Mr Kawsar’s innovative initiative and urged everyone to promote his novel concept at Kuakata Beach.

By Ehsanul Habib
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
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
Stories
September 25, 2023

High demands of Kaiyum’s Pro-Tray Nursery Seedling

Kaiyum, a 43-year-old farmer from Panchbibi sub-district in Joypurhat, traditionally reared livestock animals and earned 10,000 takas each month. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he had to sell his animals to meet his family’s financial needs. Subsequently, he leased 100 decimals of agricultural land to produce vegetables. Unfortunately, he found that there was a lack of quality vegetable seedlings in his area. To address this problem, he decided to produce high-quality seedlings himself and supply them to local farmers to increase their production.

Fortunately, the RMTP project introduced Kaiyum to the “Pro Tray Nursery Seedling” technique, which is part of the “Eco-friendly safe vegetable cultivation and marketing” sub-project. The project provided him with capacity building training, technical support, coco media, 250 reusable plastic trays, quality seeds, mulching papers, green netting, and other resources.

Kaiyum invested 40,000 takas of his own money into the venture. The project also assisted him in marketing his seedlings to farmers through various meetings. Within 25 days, Kaiyum sold 25,000 seedlings in the first round of production. He then purchased an additional 100 plastic trays to expand seedling production for the second round, during which he sold 32,000 seedlings.

He now produces various types of seedlings in his nursery, including green chilli, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, cabbage, cucumber, tomato, bottle gourd, pumpkin, capsicum, papaya, and bean. Currently, there are 97,500 seedlings in his nursery, and he is taking advance orders from farmers for their supply. 

He now earns 30,000 takas each month, and three women work in his farm and are also learning this modern technology. Kaiyum’s wife, Emroja, directly manages the nursery and has increased her efficiency in this regard. Due to the high demand for pro tray seedlings in his area, Kaiyum plans to expand his business and has set a target of producing 100,000 seedlings in each cycle.

One farmer, Md. Hasan Ali Bakul, said, “I have used Kaiyum’s nursery’s seedlings, which are of good quality and have increased my vegetable production.”

By Ehsanul Habib
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
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
News & Events
September 21, 2023

Farm mechanization & modernization technology introduced at field level

RMTP is promoting the adoption of farm mechanization and modernization technologies for livestock, poultry, horticulture, and fisheries producers. Through strategic partnerships with leading private sector entities like BRAC, Trade Global Limited, ACI, NARISH, Kazi and Kazi, and Aftab, the project ensures convenient access to technical and technological support at the farmers’ doorsteps. This initiative aims to enhance productivity and efficiency while minimizing costs for farmers, reflecting RMTP’s commitment to leverage private sector expertise for agricultural advancement.

By Ehsanul Habib
News & Events
September 21, 2023

RMTP implements GGAP and HACCP protocols to ensure food safety

The Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP) has introduced Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) protocols in the agricultural production and agro-processing sectors. The project has conducted three Training of Trainers (ToT) courses for university teachers, LSPs, selected government officials, and lead farmers. With the successful completion of these courses, expert trainers are now providing comprehensive training to project participants. So far, 11,416 farmers have benefited from this initiative, highlighting RMTP’s unwavering commitment to improving food safety standards at the farmer level.

By Ehsanul Habib