Dhaka:The Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have signed two significant project documents to secure grant assistance worth US$ 447,000. This funding aims to enhance safer pesticide management and support women-led green micro-businesses.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the signing ceremony took place in Dhaka, with Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of ERD, and Dr. Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, finalizing the agreements on behalf of their respective organizations. The event was moderated by AKM Sohel, Wing Chief of the UN Wing, ERD, and attended by Dr. Kazi Shahjahan, Joint Secretary of the UN Wing, ERD, along with other officials from relevant ministries and agencies.
The first project, "Strengthening Capacities for Lifecycle Management of Pesticides," will receive US$ 200,000. It is part of the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme funded by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. This initiative, covering Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan, focuses on improving pesticide regulations, digital registration systems, and laboratory capacity for residue testing. It also aims to raise farmers' awareness of safe pesticide usage, addressing reports that over 30 percent of vegetables in Bangladesh contain excessive pesticide residues. The Ministry of Agriculture will spearhead the project, with implementation support from the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI).
The second initiative, "Green Roots Women's Farm Labs," will be piloted in Bangladesh and Uganda, with Bangladesh receiving US$ 247,000. This 24-month sub-programme is designed to empower rural women to establish environmentally friendly micro-businesses through coaching, technology, and financial support. The national partners include the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agricultural Marketing, the Department of Agricultural Extension, and the Sara Bangla Krishak Society.
During the ceremony, Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky highlighted the projects' alignment with the country's goals for safe food, climate-resilient livelihoods, and women's economic empowerment. Dr. Jiaoqun Shi expressed FAO's commitment to supporting Bangladesh in developing safer agrifood systems and enhancing opportunities for rural women. AKM Sohel praised FAO's longstanding partnership with Bangladesh in advancing agricultural development.