Dhaka: Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and CAB International have announced a strategic partnership to promote sustainable agroecological farming in Bangladesh. This collaboration aims to ensure safe food production, reduce farmers’ production costs, and address climate and environmental risks.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the two organizations formalized their agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) titled ‘Up-scaling of Sustainable Agroecological Farming in Bangladesh’. The signing ceremony saw PKSF Deputy Managing Director Dr. Akond Mohammad Rafiqul Islam and CAB International’s South Asia Regional Director Dr. Vinod Pandit representing their respective organizations.

During the event, PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader emphasized the urgency of advancing Bangladesh’s agriculture sector through sustainable and market-driven approaches. He highlighted the necessity of promoting science-based and agroecological farming practices while equipping farmers with the skills required to adopt modern, environmentally friendly techniques.

Fazlul Kader further elaborated on the potential for developing microenterprises among local farmers for the production of bio-pesticides. This initiative is expected to reduce production costs and minimize risks to the environment and public health, thus accelerating the transition towards safer food production.

Dr. Vinod Pandit of CAB International stated that the partnership aims to decrease the use of harmful pesticides and endorse safer biological pest-control solutions through comprehensive training and improved technical capacity. This initiative will also concentrate on raising awareness among agricultural stakeholders, enhancing digital data management, and fostering market-based partnerships to promote economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture.

Under the MoU, CAB International will leverage its technical expertise through the PlantwisePlus programme, while PKSF will utilize its implementation capacity and extensive grassroots network. This collaboration is anticipated to bolster the skills and capabilities of smallholder and marginal farmers, facilitating the broader adoption of sustainable agroecological farming practices in the region.

The event also featured remarks from Dr. Saleh Ahmed, Country Representative of CAB International in Bangladesh, who underscored the importance of this initiative for the future of Bangladesh’s agriculture sector.