Synthesis of the web discussion titled ‘Role of the Private Sector and Civil Society in Strengthening Research-Extension Linkages’

SATNET has organised its fourth electronic discussion on ‘Role of the Private Sector and Civil Society in Strengthening Research-Extension Linkages’ which was initiated on Friday, 13 September 2013 through the LinkedIn platform. Twelve network participants from Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan and Taiwan, participated in the discussion.

In addition to providing an opportunity for mutual learning on this important topic amongst SATNET participants, it is envisaged that this online discussion will also contribute useful inputs towards the Expert Consultation which will be organised December, 2013 in Thailand. The synthesis of this discussion can be found on SATNET website.

A smile on rice farmer Omia’s face

SRI brought smile on Mst. Omia Begum’s face

Rice is the largest cultivated crop in Bangladesh and nationwide farmers are using more land to grow rice than any other crop. However, in the past years’ more and more farmers shifted from rice cultivation to other crops due to low harvests and high cost for inputs. Most farmers blame changes in climate in recent years. Some farmers believe that their traditional methods are to blame and Ms. Omia of Chengtimari village, Parramrampur Union (Dewangonj Upazilla) is one of them. The winter of 2012-2013 made a difference for her when she, for the first time, used SRI[1] practices to cultivate rice. 

Rokhsana and her Vegetable Garden

Rokhsana is collecting vegetables from her field

“Malnutrition is one of the main causes of health problems in our area. According to the doctors vegetables can provide the required nutrition for the children of our village to improve their health. I was encouraged by this fact to start a vegetable garden of my own. My garden provides nutrition for my family and it helps me to earn money” said Rokhsana Begum. She has been cultivating vegetables for last three years, yet found success recently. This year she invested BDT1,350 in  vegetables cultivation on 0.12 acres of her family land and made a profit of BDT5,985[1]. 

Showcasing Cross-border project in national level seminar

Cross-border project team is preparing the project stall

Cross-border project team has participated in a national level seminar titled “Enhancing Rural Prosperity through Inclusive & sustainable agricultural value chains in Bangladesh” which held during 14-15^th of September, 2013 in CIRDAP International Conference Centre, Dhaka. Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation (HSI), the technical partner of Cross-border project has organised the seminar to showcase its own and likeminded organisations activities. Local Service Providers (LSPs), Government and private sector enterprises, donors, research institutes and academia’s were present in the two daylong seminars.

LSPs and staffs from Cross-border project has visited SDC-Samriddhi project in Pabna

LSP visit in Pabna

A 21 member’s team consisting staffs and Local Service Providers (LSPs) from Cross-border TATI&MD project has visited Pabna during 25^th to 28^th September, 2013. Main objective of the visit was to learn about the development and expanding strategy of Service Providers Associations (SPA) from the project experience of SDC-Samridhdhi project, implemented by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation (HSI). Some coments are given from the LSPs below.