RDA holds workshop on cooperative agriculture

A two-day workshop was held in Bogura to promote investment in cooperative-based agricultural enterprises and develop bankable business plans.

The workshop was held on Thursday and Friday (August 6-7) at the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogura. It was organised by the Sara Bangla Krishak Society (SBKS) under the ACCESS Project, with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations through its ACCESS Project.

Director General of RDA Dr Md Abdul Majid Pramanik attended the workshop as the chief guest. He said organised farmers, strong cooperatives and market-oriented agricultural enterprises are essential for sustainable agricultural development and rural economic growth.

FAO Representative in Bangladesh Dr Jiaoqun Shi, ACCESS Project National Project Coordinator Md Muradul Hasan and other officials also addressed the workshop. Discussions focused on agricultural finance, market linkages, organic farming, food safety, agricultural mechanisation and climate-resilient agriculture.

On the second day, participants used the RuralInvest Toolkit to prepare bankable business plans.

They also made recommendations on strengthening farmers’ financial inclusion, establishing stronger links with banks and financial institutions, and expanding market-oriented agricultural enterprises.