The SMART (Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation) subproject, implemented by Amra Kaj Kori (AKK), is creating new opportunities for environmentally sustainable agriculture and dairy farming in the riverine char areas of Faridpur and Rajbari districts. Funded by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) with support from the World Bank, the subproject titled “Promoting Resilient Green Growth in Dairy and High Value Crops through Ensuring Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP)” is already bringing visible improvements by encouraging farmers and dairy entrepreneurs to adopt eco-friendly production technologies.
Recently, Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Md. Mazharul Islam visited several project sites to observe the implementation of various activities. During the visit, he inspected solar-powered irrigation systems, environmentally friendly vegetable cultivation, a commercial compost production center, modern dairy farms, and the practical application of RECP technologies.
At the end of the visit, the Deputy Commissioner remarked: “The activities under AKK’s SMART subproject are highly commendable. Expanding environmentally friendly agricultural technologies is essential to address the adverse impacts of climate change. Considering the positive outcomes achieved so far, this initiative should be expanded to a wider area.”
Also present during the visit were Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education & ICT) Susmita Saha and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Meshkatul Jannat Rabeya. They highly appreciated AKK’s efforts to promote RECP technologies among farmers and advance sustainable agriculture. They also praised the valuable support provided by PKSF and the World Bank in implementing such a timely initiative in the remote char regions.
Green technologies reaching 500 entrepreneurs
The SMART subproject is being implemented across nine unions in Faridpur Sadar, Charbhadrasan, and Goalanda upazilas, involving 500 entrepreneurs. Among them, 200 are high-value vegetable growers, while 300 are dairy farmers.
The project’s key objectives include:
- Promoting Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices.
- Expanding Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
- Encouraging adoption of climate-resilient technologies.
- Promoting the Circular Economy concept.
- Strengthening the technical knowledge and skills of farmers and entrepreneurs.
To achieve these goals, the project plans to train all 500 participants, of whom 250 have already successfully completed their training.
Positive changes in agriculture
Farmers who received training are now conducting regular soil health tests and applying fertilizers according to actual soil requirements. Instead of relying on chemical pesticides, they are using biological pest control methods such as bio-pesticides, pheromone traps, sticky traps, and solar-powered insect light traps.
In irrigation, farmers are reducing water wastage through rubber pipes, ribbon pipesThe dairy sector has also witnessed significant improvements. Farmers are cultivating improved fodder grass, utilizing solar energy, producing vermicompost and tricho-compost from cattle manure, adopting grass-cutting machines, installing water-saving nozzles, and implementing modern dairy, and sprinkler irrigation systems. Many have installed 1,240-watt solar panels with 1-horsepower submersible pumps, significantly lowering fuel and electricity costs while reducing overall production expenses.
Technological transformation in dairy farming
The dairy sector has also witnessed significant improvements. Farmers are cultivating improved fodder grass, utilizing solar energy, producing vermicompost and tricho-compost from cattle manure, adopting grass-cutting machines, installing water-saving nozzles, and implementing modern dairy management practices.
Many dairy farmers have also constructed raised storage platforms beneath or above their barn roofs for onion storage. This innovative practice eliminates the need for additional storage space while keeping the dairy sheds cooler, creating a healthier environment for livestock and improving productivity.
Success stories from the field
Meherun Begum, a dairy farmer from Bakhunda village, shared her experience: “Previously, cutting grass by hand required a great deal of time and labor. With support from the project, I purchased a grass-cutting machine, which has reduced labor, saved time, and minimized fodder wastage. Water-saving nozzles have lowered both water consumption and electricity bills. I also store onions on a platform built over the dairy shed, which saves space and helps keep the shed cool. Through the project’s training, I learned these improved techniques. My cows are now healthier, milk production has increased, and my income has grown.”
Beneficiary farmer Mayuri Begum said: “Earlier, I used excessive chemical fertilizers. Now I regularly apply organic compost, which has improved soil fertility, and earthworms have returned to my fields. The solar-powered insect light trap provided through the project captures a large number of harmful insects every day.”
Meanwhile, Anwar Bhami, owner of a commercial compost enterprise, explained: “The SMART project has created new opportunities in my life. I currently produce around five metric tons of organic compost every month. I collect cattle manure from 25 dairy farms participating in the SMART subproject and convert it into compost. My enterprise has also created employment opportunities for local women. We have a trade license, BSTI certification, and modern bagging and packaging facilities. Soon, we plan to install a compost mixing machine, which will further increase production capacity.”
Project Manager Md. Fuad Hossain said: “We are working with 500 entrepreneurs across nine unions in three upazilas of Faridpur and Rajbari districts. Our primary objective is to reduce production costs and promote profitable, sustainable farming by introducing environmentally friendly technologies and RECP practices. At the same time, we are focusing on resource-efficient production, Good Agricultural Practices, climate-resilient technologies, circular economy principles, and strengthening the technical capacity of entrepreneurs. The project will continue until June 2028.”
AKK’s Executive Director stated: “The SMART subproject has already generated tremendous enthusiasm among farmers and entrepreneurs. By adopting environmentally friendly technologies, participants are reducing production costs, increasing their incomes, and making agriculture more sustainable. We sincerely appreciate the financial and technical support provided by PKSF and the World Bank in implementing this timely initiative.”
A model for sustainable agriculture
According to agricultural experts, the integration of RECP technologies, renewable energy, organic farming, modern irrigation systems, and value addition in agricultural production is opening new possibilities for farming in Bangladesh’s char regions. Through the SMART subproject, farmers are lowering production costs, increasing their incomes, protecting the environment, and building a practical model of climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural development.