A Training of Trainers (ToT) program aimed at enhancing agricultural expertise was recently held in Rajshahi under the Climate Resilient Agricultural Advancement in Barind (CRAAB) project. The initiative, organized by Sustainable Agriculture Foundation Bangladesh (SAF Bangladesh) and co-implemented with DASCOH Foundation, focuses on promoting efficient water-use technologies to improve farming practices for rice, mango, and homestead vegetables in the water-scarce Barind region. The project is sponsored by Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Limited. The training brought together Sub Assistant Agriculture Officers (SAAOs) from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and project staff to foster collaboration between government and non-governmental entities. Key topics included Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) techniques for Boro rice, ultra-high-density mango plantations with drip irrigation system, homestead nutrition gardens, and vermicompost production. These sessions aimed to empower SAAOs to deliver effective training to farmers, enhancing field-level agricultural practices.

Notable attendees included Md. Mahmudul Faruk, Additional Director of Rajshahi Region, and other senior officials from DAE. Mr. Faruk underscored the importance of partnerships between DAE and SAF Bangladesh in addressing the region's pressing water scarcity challenges.

This program marks a significant step towards building climate resilience in the Barind region, improving sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring better livelihoods for local farmers.

It is noteworthy that the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF), formerly known as the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture (SFSA), has a remarkable 40-year legacy as a Swiss-based not-for-profit organization. SAF Bangladesh has been working in Bangladesh since 2011 to support agriculture and smallholder development.