ঢাকাশনিবার , ৮ অগাস্ট ২০২৬
COAST Foundation successfully organized a national-level wrap-up workshop at the Lakeshore Hotel, Dhaka, showcasing five years of work on cooperative-based agricultural development. The event brought together government officials, academics, development partners, and representatives from various farmers’ organizations (FOs) across the country. The workshop aimed to review achievements, discuss future strategies, and reinforce commitments to support small-scale farmers throughout Bangladesh.
The workshop highlighted the crucial role of farmers’ cooperatives in promoting sustainable agricultural production and strengthening rural economies. Despite producing 60–70% of the nation’s food, small-scale farmers continue to face challenges such as malnutrition and food insecurity. S M Sohrab Uddin, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, emphasized the importance of careful crop planning and product selection before cultivation.
Mariel Zimmermann, Programme Officer, IFAD Asia & Pacific Division, noted that documenting successful case studies is essential for encouraging replication and wider adoption. Md. Mohsin Ali, Executive Director of WAVE Foundation, stressed that adopting agroecology, organic fertilizers, and safe food production methods is key to protecting both farmer livelihoods and consumer health.
M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation, moderated the workshop and highlighted the need to return to ecological agriculture to mitigate long-term harms caused by chemical farming. Sanat Kumar Bhowmik, Deputy Executive Director, presented the key-note papers and shared that the program disbursed Tk. 2.08 crore as revolving financing to six farmers’ organizations, while youth participation in agriculture increased by 25% in targeted areas.
Gawher Nayeem Warha, Member Secretary of Disaster Forum and Acting Chairperson of COAST Foundation, emphasized the importance of disseminating impact stories to encourage youth engagement in farming. Ataur Rahman Miton, Country Director of Hunger Free World, noted that cooperatives empower farmers, enabling them to access markets collectively, secure fair prices, and strengthen resilience.
Other speakers addressed rural demographics and policy needs. Ahmed Borhan, Director of the Center for Social Research, highlighted that 20–25% of village populations are elderly and recommended research and awareness campaigns for fair pricing of agricultural products. Alauddin Sikder, President of Goiata Cooperative, emphasized cooperatives’ role in indigenous seed production, monitoring fertilizer and pesticide prices, and coordinating pricing for essential commodities. Mahfuza Akter, President of the Youth Committee, stressed the need to expand saline-tolerant seed varieties in coastal areas for climate adaptation.
Young farmers and cooperative members shared inspiring success stories. Md. Towfiqul Islam, Secretary of Ronosia Cooperative, noted increased mustard oil production and better market access for small-scale farmers. Lovely Islam of Swanirvor Nari Kallyan Cooperative, Sherpur, reported higher incomes for young women engaged in duck rearing and paddy production. Md. Ismail, Dighon CIG Club, Dinajpur, successfully linked safe vegetable production to improved family nutrition and organic market access. Honey cooperatives in Koyra, Khulna empowered marginalized Sundarbans honey collectors to generate income, demonstrating the potential of non-traditional agricultural products.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen farmers’ cooperatives, bring them under the Ministry of Agriculture’s jurisdiction, and promote inclusive participation of women and youth in agriculture, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and broader food security across Bangladesh.
