Farmers’ cooperatives to increase ecological agriculture and to gain food sufficiency

Staff Reporter
COAST Foundation organised a national-level wrap-up workshop on Saturday in a city hotel, Dhaka, highlighting five years of work on cooperative-based agricultural development.
The event brought together government officials academia, development partners, and farmer organisations (FOs).
The objectives were to reflect on progress, discuss future strategies, and reinforce commitments to support small-scale farmers across Bangladesh.
The workshop emphasised the critical role of farmers’ cooperatives in enhancing sustainable agricultural production and boosting rural economies.
Despite producing 60-70 percent of the nation’s food, small-scale farmers continue to face malnutrition and food insecurity.
In his speech, S M Sohrab Uddin, Director General, Department of Agricultural Extension highlighted the importance of careful crop planning and product selection before cultivation.
Mariel Zimmermann, Programme Officer, Asia and the Pacific Division, IFAD, stressed the importance of documenting best practices from the programme to encourage replication and wider adoption.
Md. Mohsin Ali, Executive Director, WAVE Foundation, emphasized the need to adopt agroecology, organic fertilizers, and safe food production methods to protect both farmer livelihoods and consumer health.
M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director, COAST Foundation moderated the workshop and point out that we have to return to the ecological agriculture for saving the nation from long term harmful impacts from chemical agriculture.
Sanat Kumar Bhowmik, Deputy Executive Director of COAST Foundation presented the key-note papers and informed that the Program disburses Tk. 2.08 crore as revolving financing to 6 Farmers organization.
He also shared that the young people are involved with farming more that 25% during the program interventions.
Gawher Nayeem Warha, Member Secretary, Disaster Forum, and Acting Chairperson of COAST Foundation emphasized the importance of disseminating these impact stories to encourage youth participation in agriculture.
Ataur Rahman Miton, Country Director, Hunger Free World, highlighted that cooperatives empower farmers, enabling them to secure fair prices, collectively access markets, and strengthen their resilience.

Ahmed Borhan, Director, Center for Social Research, drew attention to the demographic realities of rural villages, where 20-25% of residents are elderly people.
He also recommended to conduct research and campaigns to ensure just pricing for agricultural products. Alauddin Sikder, President, Goiata Cooperative (GKUSSL), highlighted the role of cooperatives in indigenous seed production, monitoring fertilizer and pesticide pricing, and coordinating pricing for essential commodities such as salt and potatoes. Mahfuza Akter, President, Youth Committee, GKUSSL, called for the expansion of saline-tolerant seed varieties, particularly in coastal areas, as a key climate adaptation measure.
During the workshop, other young participants shared inspiring impact stories illustrating the transformative potential of cooperative farming.
Md. Towfiqul Islam, Secretary, Younth Committee, Ronosia Cooperative increased productivity and assisted small-scale farmers in mustard oil production and to collectively access markets, achieving better prices and reducing post-harvest losses.
Lovely Islam, Swanirvor Nari Kallyan cooperative, Sherpur mentioned that young women members engaged in duck rearing and paddy production experienced higher incomes.
Md. Ismail, Dighon CIG Club, Dinajpur involved in safe vegetable cultivation was able to provide nutritious food for his families and also able to build stronger market linkages for organic produces.
Honey cooperatives in Koyra, Khulna empowered marginalized honey collectors within the Sundaraban to generate income through honey production, demonstrating the economic potential of non-traditional agricultural products.
The workshop concluded with a common shared commitment to strengthen farmers’ cooperatives, bring it under the Ministry of Agriculture’s jurisdiction, and promote inclusive participation of women and young farmers.