Agri-entrepreneurship training boosts marketing prospects in Rajshahi
Training in agricultural product marketing, processing, and entrepreneurship development is reshaping the prospects of agri-based entrepreneurs in the Rajshahi region.
Many entrepreneurs are now producing diversified food items from potatoes, while others are aiming to take safe and processed agricultural goods beyond the domestic market to international markets.
The views and experiences were shared at a regional marketing workshop held at the BRAC Learning Center in the Baya area of Paba Upazila.
The event was organized by the Office of the Deputy Director, Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM), Rajshahi Division, under the Program on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship and Resilience in Bangladesh (PARTNER APCU-DAM project).
The workshop was graced by M.M. Arif Pasha, Director General of DAM, as the chief guest, while Shahana Akhtar Jahan, Divisional Deputy Director of DAM, presided over the event.
The welcome speech was delivered by Md. Sanowar Hossain, Senior Agricultural Marketing Officer while the keynote paper was presented by Md. Bayezid Bostami, Senior Monitoring Officer of the PARTNER project, highlighting ongoing activities, progress, entrepreneurship development, training initiatives, and market expansion efforts under the project in the division.
In his remarks, DAM Director General Arif Pasha said that alongside agricultural production, the development of an efficient marketing system has become essential. He emphasized training, quality control, packaging, and branding to effectively connect farmers and entrepreneurs with markets.
He added that through the PARTNER project, local entrepreneurs are gaining skills as well as opportunities to expand their product markets.
He also noted that the participation of women entrepreneurs is strengthening the agriculture-based economy. DAM, he said, will continue to support entrepreneurs in building a safe food system, ensuring fair prices, and promoting a sustainable market structure.
Entrepreneurs participating in the workshop shared their experiences, saying that training, advisory support, and access to equipment have significantly transformed their businesses.
They noted improvements in production planning, sales strategies, market analysis, product quality, packaging, branding, and understanding of customer demand.
Nadira Hasan, owner of NS Food Corner in Bogura, said she works as a trainer in a project focused on the multipurpose use of potatoes. She received on-the-job training under the PARTNER APCU-DAM Project, along with equipment support, which helped expand her business operations.
Another entrepreneur, Sumaiya Sultana, founder of Sumaiya's Organic Farm in the Dapunia area of Pabna Sadar Upazila, described the workshop as a timely and important initiative for entrepreneurs.
She said the on-the-job training under the PARTNER project has enhanced her practical knowledge in business management, marketing, and branding.
Organizers said the workshop aimed to develop agri-based entrepreneurs, add value to agricultural products, ensure safe food supply, expand market access, and enhance entrepreneurial capacity.
They added that with proper training, quality assurance, modern marketing strategies, and stronger market linkages, agricultural products from the Rajshahi region can reach wider national and international markets.
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