ACI Agribusiness has teamed up with Solidaridad Network Asia to help develop an efficient business linkage for the agro-input and output supply chain for increasing the productivity of the smallholders in the southwest region.
Two sides signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the ACI Centre in the city for the purpose.
Selim Reza Hasan, Country Manager of Solidaridad Network Asia and Dr. F H Ansarey, Executive Director of ACI Agribusiness, signed the MoU, according to a press statement.
Hasanul Haque, Agribusiness Advisor of ACI Agribusiness; Shakil Anwar, Programme and Partnership Manager of and Mr. Moziball Houque, Super Market and Distribution Specialist of Solidaridad Network Asia and officials from both organisations were present in the signing ceremony.
Under this partnership, Solidaridad and ACI Agribusiness will work together to improve the efficiency for the backward and forward market linkages for agricultural supply chain development.
Both the organisations will work together to establish a well-functioning seed, fertiliser, animal medicine, feed and agro machinery distribution system that increases the productivity and incomes for the smallholders.
ACI will support in technology transfer and capacity development of the SaFaL Lead Farmers, input wholesalers and retailers along with a sustainable Agro commodity (Fish, fruits, vegetables) supply chain from 'farm to fork' through the ACI Cropex Sales Center.
This would be done through piloting the technology/seed variety/species with interested farmers to observe location specific result; establishment of demo plots and organising farmer's field day on sustainable farming practices.
Speaking at the ceremony, Selim Reza Hasan said, 'Under the SaFaL programme, Solidaridad has developed a platform of 57,000 farmers, organised 1,000 producer groups and 500 trained Lead Farmers with the focus on transferring technology to the farmers.
The 1,000 producer groups provide platform for ACI Agribusiness and other private sector companies to reachout the farmers with their agro-inputs and buying of the farm produces.
He added that together with the ACI Agribusiness, Solidridad has developed a business model that will transfer modern agricultural technologies to the farmers for increasing yields and will develop a sustainable backward and forward market linkage.
Dr. Ansarey said, 'Understanding agriculture is challenging. Adoption of new technology is needed that reduces the cost of production and increase the production volume. However, farmers can only get proper benefit when we have a strong marketing system. As an agrarian country we cannot go further without developing the agriculture sector.
Dr. Ansarey appreciated Solidaridad effort to develop sustainable market linkages.
He expressed the hope this collaboration will significantly contribute to the agricultural sector growth in the southwest Bangladesh.'
