Assignment Name: Enhancement Program of Market Linkages for Vegetable Farmers Replacing Chemical Fertilizer with Vermicompost

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: Rural Friends Agro Network (RUFAN)

The project, titled “Enhancement Program of Market Linkages of Vegetable Farmers Replacing Chemical Fertilizer with Vermicompost,” aimed to introduce and promote the use of vermicompost among vegetable farmers in Rajbari District, Bangladesh. This environmentally friendly initiative was designed to help farmers transition from chemical fertilizers to vermicompost, a sustainable alternative that enhances soil health and reduces production costs. The project also focused on developing robust market linkages to enable farmers to achieve higher profits from the sale of chemical-free vegetables. Implemented from February 2015 to February 2018, the project’s strategic objective was to bolster sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth among local farming communities.

DM WATCH conducted following activities during the project period:

Training and Capacity Building:

• Conducted hands-on training sessions for 300 vegetable farmers on the application of vermicompost in their fields and natural pest control methods. These sessions aimed to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to transition to and maintain organic farming practices effectively.

Formation and Support of Farmer Groups:

• Facilitated the formation of small groups among the 300 participating vegetable farmers. These groups were designed to foster collaboration and support among farmers, enhancing their bargaining power and market presence.

Market Linkage Development:

• Actively worked to connect the small groups of vegetable growers with local and regional markets. These linkages were crucial in helping farmers access broader and more lucrative markets, thereby increasing their potential for higher earnings.

Monitoring and Follow-up:

• Provided bi-weekly follow-up support to the farmers through the program staff of RUFAN and DM WATCH. This regular monitoring helped assess the effectiveness of market linkages and address any challenges faced by farmers in real-time.

Financial and Growth Reviews:

• Conducted semi-annual financial reviews of the small farmer groups to track their business growth and the effectiveness of the market linkages. These reviews were critical in understanding the financial impacts of the project interventions.

Reporting:

• Prepared and submitted annual review reports of the program’s progress and outcomes. These reports were instrumental in documenting the successes and areas for improvement, ensuring that the project’s goals were met by its completion in February 2018.