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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
News & Events
May 25, 2023

IFAD Implementation Support Mission evaluated RMTP as satisfactory

An Implementation Support Mission (ISM) of IFAD expressed its satisfaction over the progress of the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP). The ISM was conducted from 7 May to 18 May 2023.

The kick-off meeting of the mission was held on 8 May 2023, chaired by Dr Akand Md Rafiqul Islam, Senior General Manager of PKSF and Project Coordinator of the RMTP project. During the meeting, the PMU of the RMTP gave a detailed presentation on the project. Additionally, the ISM team visited various value chain and microenterprise activities in Barishal and Patuakhali districts from 9 to 11 May 2023. They thoroughly reviewed the progress of different value chain interventions and assessed cross-cutting activities including gender, environmental sustainability, nutrition, and the overall sustainability of the value chain interventions under the project.

The ISM team expressed satisfaction over the field interventions and the utilization of various technologies in the value chain interventions. The team also provided the necessary recommendations.

The wrap-up meeting of the mission was held on 18 May 2023 at PKSF Bhaban, chaired by Md Fazlul Kader, Additional Managing Director of PKSF. PKSF’s Senior GM and PC of RMTP Dr Akand Md Rafiqul Islam and IFAD’s Country Director for Bangladesh Dr Arnoud Hameleers, and other officials from IFAD and RMTP also attended the meeting.

Mission Leader Dewan A H Alamgir shared the findings and recommendations of the mission. He highly lauded the successful interventions of the project including semi-intensive fish culture, the use of IoT in fish farming, black soldier fly for alternative fish feed, vermicompost production, and the development of different processed products in the dairy, meat, and fish sectors. Moreover, the mission emphasized the importance of proper documentation of the project’s successes and the timely implementation of all cross-cutting issues.

Md Fazlul Kader, AMD of PKSF congratulated the PMU for the overall achievements of the RMTP project and emphasized the documentation of the best practices of the project.

By Ehsanul Habib
Stories
May 7, 2023

Married at 14, then divorced; Reshma earns BDT 40 lakh a year

Suraiya Farhana Reshma of Shajahanpur in Bogura district got married at the age of 14. She was eighth grader back then. Her marriage was not a happy one. Her husband was a drug addict and gambler. After living with him for four years, Reshma returned to her mother and started agricultural ventures on land inherited from her mother and grandmother. Upon completing a training in 2014, she started dealing in vermicompost. She said, “I couldn’t maintain records of my transactions. The officials of the Department of Youth Development and GUK (a local NGO) taught me how to keep books.”

Currently, there are 200 concrete rings used for processing earthworms, a key ingredient of vermicompost, at her farm. There are another 200 fruit baskets she uses for this. In addition, she received a fresh grant from the RMTP (Rural Microenterprise Transformation) project funded by PKSF and IFAD for purchasing necessary machines and started making trico-compost.

Currently, she is producing about 30 tonnes of vermicompost every month. This fertilizer is sold wholesale at BDT 10 per kg from home and at BDT 15 per kg online via her facebook page named Reshma Krishi Udyog. There are 25 cows in her farm. Six cows give 35 kg of milk per day. She sells milk at BDT 50 per kg. There are 15 goats, 120 ducks, and more than 200 native chickens, pigeons in her farm where she also farms fish and cultivates paddy and safe vegetables. The total amount of her land including the house is six bighas (about 2 acres).

Reshma net profit per annum stands at around BDT 40 lakhs, excluding all expenses. Her current capital is over BDT 1 crore. Reshma has provided employment to 16 women at her farm. She has inspired about two dozen women around to become entrepreneurs, creating self-employment opportunities. Reshma received the ‘National Youth Award-2022’ from the Department of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports in recognition of her achievements.

By Ehsanul Habib
Stories
December 28, 2022

Tulip farming opens new opportunity for farmers in Tetulia

Enterprising farmers in parts of Bangladesh are changing the landscape with colourful Tulip flowers. Thanks to their entrepreneurship tropical Bangladesh has for the first time joined the cold countries and regions like the Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, and Kashmir (India) in growing spring-blooming flowers. In Bangladesh Tulips are being grown in Sariyaljot and Darjipara villages of Tetulia upazila of Panchagarh border during the winter. The Tulips grow best in full sun in the North and partial shade in the South. Tulip bulbs, pointed end up; need to be planted in well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7, according to experts. And this climate and soil can be found in Bangladesh too. And so Tulips have mesmerized the people of northern parts of Bangladesh this year.  Last year, in Gazipur, a local flower farmer Md Delowar Hossain cultivated Tulips for the first time in his garden. But now, the dazzling display of Tulips has now enveloped the landscape of the Northern parts of the country. 

How Tulips bloom in lands of Tetulia

Farmers in Sariyaljot and Darjipara villages of Tentulia said Tulip buds come in just 18 days of nurture and start blooming in 20-21 days. 

Agriculturists say this plant is a perennial and tuber species that belongs to the family Liliaceae. In the case of tulip flower cultivation, it is tolerant to 15 degrees Celsius during the daytime and 10 degrees Celsius at night. The buds of this flower come within 18-20 days from the day of planting and last for 25-60 days.  

A meeting with journalists was held on January 26 at Tetulia Mahananda Cottage on Eco-Social Development Organization’s (ESDO) value chain pilot project to determine the feasibility of expanding tulip flower cultivation in the northern part of the country. ESDO Senior Assistant Program Coordinator (APC) and Tulip Flower Cultivation Project Coordinator Md Ainul Haque discussed various aspects of the project.

He said the ESDO, a non-governmental development partner organization in collaboration with the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), and IFAD, under the Valuation Piloting Project to determine the feasibility of expanding tulip flower cultivation in the northern part of the country.

Around 40,000 bulbs brought from the Netherlands have been planted in three plots on 40 decimals of the land of eight marginal farmers of Sharialjot and Darjipara villages of Tetulia union of Tetulia upazila.

Tulip flower bulbs (seeds) were officially planted on January 1 this year in the presence of ESDO Executive Director Dr Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman, Director (Administration) Selima Akhtar, and other officials of the Department of Agriculture.

“Besides the bulbs, we provided the farmers with free chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers, husks, shade nets, and fencing nets. Besides, it has been developed by cultivating flowers in the hands of farmers,” said Project Coordinator Md Ainul Haque.

Flower growers here said that they planted tulips here in winter although it is a spring flower abroad.

Twelve varieties of tulips of different species have been cultivated under this pilot project in Tetulia. Among them–Antarctica (White), Dutch Sunrise (Yellow), Purple Prince (Purple), Timeless (Red White Shade), Milksake (Light Pink), Barcelona (Dark Pink), Ad Rem (Orange), Lalibela (Red), France (Red), Ripley (Orange), Denmark (Orange), Strong Gold (Yellow) and other species of tulips are in full bloom and new flowers are blooming in the gardens every day.

About a month after sowing the bulbs, Tulips started blooming. Many did not even imagine that foreign flowers would be cultivated in this region. 

The costs & potentials of Tulip farming

Due to low temperature in winter in Panchagarh district, there is huge potential for cultivation of tulips.

Mukta Begum, Anwara Begum, Sumi Akter, Ayesha Begum, Hosneara Begum, Monowara Begum, Morsheda Begum and Sajeda Begum, all female members of ESDO and farmers of Sharialjot and Darjipara villages of Tentulia, have proved that possibility.

They said the total cost of bulbs or seedlings, shed nets, fencing nets, chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers, pesticides and labor costs is around Tk 30 to 32 lakh. The bulbs or seeds from the Netherlands were bought at Tk 61.80 per flower for the cultivation, said ESDO Senior Assistant Program Coordinator.

If 40,000 tulip flowers can be sold at the rate of Tk 100, the farmers will earn Tk 8 lakh in just two months from 40 decimals of land. At other times of the year, locals and exotic flowers can be cultivated in these lands. They have also created a small amusement park in the flower garden and introduced entrance fees for tourists and flower lovers. In this way, they can earn extra money without selling flowers, said the female flower growers.

Success in planting and growing tulips in Panchagarh as the Himalayan daughter or winter-prone region has raised the possibility of exporting tulips to meet the local demand in the future. They said they will cultivate tulips on about five decimals of land next year if they make a financial profit by selling flowers.

They also said that in the beginning they had unknown fears and anxieties but they succeeded in cultivating flowers by using their labour and talent on the advice of ESDO and Agriculture Department.

According to the farmers, the main obstacle in the cultivation of tulips is that the bulbs or seeds of these flowers are not available in Bangladesh. It costs a lot of money to bring these flower bulbs from abroad. “If we can import duty-free bulbs, the cultivation of this flower will increase. The farmers demanded easy supply of tulip bulbs at low prices, easy loans for floriculture and modern training,” said the farmers.

ESDO Executive Director Dr Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman said, “We have taken several initiatives to market tulips. In the meantime, traders are being brought to the project area and contacted to buy flowers.”

“We believe that this will greatly increase the economic income and potential of marginal and small farmers in the days to come.”

In the same way, the tourism industry will further expand the existing natural beauty of Tetulia including Kanchenjunga and will be able to play a major role in socio-economic development of the region, he added.

Dr Akand Md Rafiqul Islam, senior general manager (Activities) of Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), said PKSF have taken initiative to expand this flower cultivation not only in Tentulia but in the other districts in future. However, the challenge is to bring this tulip bulb from abroad. “We have also taken initiative to preserve these bulbs by setting up exclusive cold storage from the tulips that are currently cultivated,” the official added.

Source of the news:

https://cutt.ly/MM8oBeO

By admn_rmtp