Cooperatives key to ecological farming, youth engagement, say experts
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A national wrap-up workshop organised by COAST Foundation on Saturday advocated for the critical role of farmers’ cooperatives in promoting ecological agriculture, boosting rural economies, and strengthening food security across Bangladesh.
The event, held at a city hotel, marked the conclusion of a five-year programme focused on cooperative-based agricultural development.
Senior government officials, academics, development partners, and representatives from farmers’ organizations (FOs) joined the workshop to review progress and outline future strategies.
Speakers noted that although small-scale farmers produce 60–70 per cent of the country’s food, many still face malnutrition and lack sufficient market access.
S M Sohrab Uddin, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, stressed the need for careful crop planning and strategic product selection.
IFAD’s Programme Officer for Asia and the Pacific, Mariel Zimmermann, underscored the importance of documenting best practices to promote wider adoption.
Md Mohsin Ali, Executive Director of the WAVE Foundation, called for increased use of agroecology, organic fertiliser, and safe food production techniques to protect both farmers and consumers.
Moderating the workshop, COAST Foundation’s Executive Director M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said the country must return to ecological agriculture to mitigate the long-term impacts of chemical farming.
Deputy Executive Director Sanat Kumar Bhowmik presented key programme achievements, noting that Tk 20.8 million had been disbursed as revolving financing to six FOs.
Youth participation in agriculture increased by more than 25 per cent during the intervention period, he added.
Participants from several cooperatives shared impact stories ranging from mustard oil production and market access to duck rearing, safe vegetable cultivation, and honey production in coastal areas.
The event concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen farmers’ cooperatives, ensure their inclusion under the ministry of agriculture, fisheries and livestock to promote greater participation of women and youth in sustainable farming.