Agriculture is a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy, contributing 20% to GDP and employing 40.6% of the population. While rice remains dominant, vegetable production is rapidly increasing, providing essential nutrition and significant export potential. According to the Bangladesh Agricultural Yearbook 2020, the country produced 7.15 million metric tons of vegetables on 1.86 million acres of land.
However, the widespread use of pesticides-rising from 758 metric tons in 1960 to 48,690 metric tons by 2008-has caused environmental degradation and health risks. To address these challenges, Gram Bikash Kendra (GBK), in partnership with PKSF and IFAD, is implementing the Ecology Friendly Safe Vegetable Production and Marketing Value Chain Sub-Project in Parbatipur and Fulbari upazilas of Dinajpur.
Enhance the income of smallholder farmers and vegetable entrepreneurs through high-value vegetable and processed product initiatives.
Promote safe vegetable production to ensure food safety and improve family nutrition.
Increase the number of micro-entrepreneurs and farmers engaged in processed foods and marketing.
Market new varieties of processed foods and create new employment opportunities in the sector.
Develop a safe, nutritious, environment-friendly, and sustainable production and market system.
Increase female participation and leadership in the vegetable business.
Implementation of sustainable vegetable cultivation techniques, such as vermicompost use and reduced pesticide application.
Selection and training of local entrepreneurs for demonstration plots to promote best practices in vegetable farming.
Organizing market linkage meetings and training at agro solution centers to connect farmers with buyers and markets.
Arranging field days to showcase successful cultivation, techniques, and innovations to the broader farming community.
Facilitating contract farming agreements to ensure stable market access and fair prices for local farmers.
Parbatipur, Dinajpur
www.gbk-bd.org
Ecology friendly safe vegetable cultivation and marketing value chain sub-project.
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