Standard Chartered Bangladesh has partnered with Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS) to facilitate 11,000 farmers in adopting polyhouse farming across Bogura, Joypurhat, Sirajganj, Natore, Pabna, and Rajshahi. This initiative aims to introduce an eco-friendly agricultural practice that allows for year-round cultivation, independent of external conditions. The collaboration will provide resources for polyhouse development and training to enhance crop yield and quality, thus fostering income generation.
Additionally, the partnership includes the distribution of watermelon and other vegetable seeds to beneficiaries to bolster homestead gardening. Efforts are also being made to establish vermicompost production centres to decrease reliance on chemical fertilisers, with the Bank committing over Tk 27 million (€230,000) towards the project's implementation. This initiative seeks to address challenges such as the lack of high-quality seed inputs, water scarcity, and the overuse of fertilisers and pesticides, which significantly affect Bangladesh's agricultural sector.
The project's goal is to establish polyhouse farming structures for the cultivation of high-value vegetables and fruits, thereby empowering farmers to overcome climate challenges and economic uncertainty. Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, highlighted the economic benefits of investing in adaptation projects in Bangladesh, with a focus on sustainable agriculture practices and improved water resource infrastructure. Professor Dr. Hosne-Ara Begum, Founder of TMSS, emphasized the project's aim to enhance high-value crop farming in drought-prone areas through modern farming methods, thereby improving the economic condition of farmers.
Source: bssnews.net