Dhaka: Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and CAB International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote climate-resilient, sustainable, and safe agricultural practices in Bangladesh by reducing farmers' production costs and addressing climate and environmental risks.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the MoU, titled "Up-scaling of Sustainable Agroecological Farming in Bangladesh," was formalized by PKSF Deputy Managing Director Dr. Akond Mohammad Rafiqul Islam and CAB International Regional Director for South Asia Dr. Vinod Pandit. The initiative aims to advance agriculture through sustainable, science-based, and market-driven solutions.
PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader emphasized the importance of promoting agroecological farming and equipping farmers with the necessary skills to adopt modern and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. He pointed out the potential for developing microenterprises among local farmers to produce bio-pesticides, which could lower production costs, reduce environmental and public health risks, and accelerate the transition to safer food production.
Dr. Vinod Pandit highlighted that the initiative would focus on reducing the use of harmful pesticides and promoting safer biological pest-control solutions through training and enhanced technical capacity. The project aims to raise awareness among agricultural stakeholders, strengthen digital data management, and develop market-based partnerships to promote environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Under the MoU, CAB International's PlantwisePlus programme will provide technical expertise, which will be combined with PKSF's implementation capacity and extensive grassroots network. This collaboration is expected to enhance the skills and capacities of smallholder and marginal farmers, facilitating the wider adoption of sustainable agroecological farming practices.
Dr. Saleh Ahmed, Country Representative of CAB International in Bangladesh, also addressed the event, expressing optimism about the positive impact of the collaboration on the agricultural sector in Bangladesh.