SCB, Channel i launch 10th Agrow Award

Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Channel i have officially launched the 10th edition of the Agrow Award, reaffirming their commitment to recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations in Bangladesh's agriculture sector.

This milestone edition continues to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and dedication that drive the nation's agricultural progress, says a media release.

Since its inception in 2014, the Agrow Award has evolved into a prestigious platform that honours the unsung heroes of agriculture—from grassroots farmers and innovators to enterprises and institutions fostering sustainable practices.

Over the past nine editions, the award has recognised 77 individuals and organisations for their exemplary contributions to the sector, said the release.

The 10th Agrow Award will continue to spotlight excellence across multiple categories, including: Lifetime Achievement; Farmer of the Year (male and female); Resilient Small-Scale Farmer (male and female); Hero for Change; Best Journalist (agriculture); Best Agricultural Organisation in Research, Innovation and Technology; Best Agricultural Organisation in Support and Execution; Best Agricultural Exporter; Best Climate Adaptation Solution; and, Jury Special.

This year’s edition will feature a new category - rooftop cultivation, showcasing how to contribute to a more sustainable and liveable city by providing local, fresh, and safe food, and improving air quality.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, "This year is special as it marks the 10th edition of the Agrow Award and celebrates 120 years of Standard Chartered in Bangladesh. Through this award, we have witnessed how a shared vision and collective action can transform small steps into giant leaps. We extend our sincere gratitude to Channel i for this valuable partnership. We are also grateful to the wider community, whose support has made the Agrow Award a source of inspiration, showcasing the transformative impact of our agricultural pioneers. We also commend all our awardees, whose dedication and innovative approaches are contributing to tackling climate change and ensuring food security for our nation."

Shykh Seraj, director and head of News at Channel i, said. "In every crisis, it is the farmers of Bangladesh and the agriculture-based economy that work tirelessly to help create greater food security. Their extraordinary contribution deserves recognition, and the Standard Chartered–Channel i Agrow Awards is a modest attempt to honour that. In its tenth edition, a new category—Best Rooftop Farmer—is being introduced, and we believe this will further encourage rooftop and urban farming initiatives. It will also play a vital role in making our cities more sustainable environments to live in."

"Applications for the 10th Agrow Award are now open and will be accepted until 15 July 2025. A distinguished jury panel comprising local and international experts, academics, and industry leaders will evaluate the submissions. The winners will be announced at a grand ceremony later this year.