“From Struggle to Success”: New Video from Bangladesh
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“Farming has been very profitable this year. I am very happy about it.”
– Md. Jahangir, farmer from Bauphal, Patuakhali
In this inspiring new video, meet farmers, vegetable dealers, and others in the agriculture sector and learn how the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer team in Bangladesh is transforming the lives of smallholder farmers through tailored training in sustainable vegetable production.
More About Our Work in Bangladesh: Five Years of Impact
East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer began working in Bangladesh in 2020 to help farmers thrive amid challenges like unpredictable weather, damaging pests, and limited market access. Since then, with support from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and in partnership with Solidaridad and the Bangladesh Department of Agricultural Extension, we have equipped more than 38,500 farmers with knowledge and skills in climate-resilient farming techniques, pest and disease management, and business planning.
Our work has had an impressive impact on farmers’ harvests and income, with a 27% increase in yield for crops like bottle gourd, bitter gourd, and cucumber and a 40% increase in annual net income from vegetable production. (For more, see the Smart Farming, Healthy Food Midterm Report Summary.)
“I dream big. I want all other women to do income-generating activities like me.”
– Bokul Begum, farmer from Char Fasson, Bhola
To engage more women in agriculture, we include a home garden approach that emphasizes family nutrition. Women in the home gardening initiative learn some of the same improved farming methods as women who are farming on larger plots of land, opening pathways to income-generating opportunities. Overall, 60% of the farmers we have trained are women.
In addition to providing field-based training at farmer-managed vegetable demonstration plots, we train extension officers and other agriculture sector professionals at our learning farm in Faridpur. At this center of innovation, farmers and other stakeholders see firsthand how climate-resilient techniques like intercropping, composting, and mulching enhance productivity.
With an enduring focus on benefiting smallholder farmers, our Bangladesh team is advancing long-term agricultural sustainability and empowering communities.
Contact us to find out more about partnership opportunities in Bangladesh.
