Staff Reporter: In a quiet rural village, Raju, a determined smallholder farmer, had long struggled with traditional crops and unpredictable market conditions. Like many others in his community, he sought a sustainable and profitable agricultural venture. His aspirations took a promising turn with the intervention of the Climate Resilient Agricultural Advancement in Barind (CRAAB) project, funded by HSBC and implemented by Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF) Bangladesh with co-implemented by DASCOH Foundation which provided him with the necessary resources and knowledge to embark on a transformative journey.
The CRAAB project introduced a Farmers’ Hub, an innovative platform that enabled Raju to engage in input and forward market business, offer advisory services to local farmers, and rent out agricultural machinery. Also recognizing the potential of high-value crops, the project guided Raju and 30 fellow farmers toward strawberry cultivation, a relatively untapped opportunity in the region. Under CRAAB’s mentorship, they collectively leased 10 acres of land and, in November, meticulously prepared the soil before transplanting delicate strawberry saplings.
With unwavering commitment, the farmers nurtured their crops, adhering to best practices imparted by CRAAB’s agricultural experts. Their diligence paid off when, in January, their fields were adorned with vibrant red strawberries, glistening with morning dew—a clear sign of a bountiful harvest.
Every other day, the farmers meticulously plucked the ripe fruits, yielding an impressive 1,000–1,200 kilograms per harvest. This remarkable output underscored their dedication and the efficacy of the CRAAB project's training initiatives. However, their success extended beyond cultivation; a crucial turning point arrived with a market linkage workshop organized by CRAAB. This initiative connected Raju’s Farmers’ Hub with national market suppliers, particularly in Dhaka, ensuring stable and profitable sales channels.
The impact of this newfound market access was profound. At the farm gate, the farmers secured premium prices ranging from Tk 300–450 per kilogram, reflecting the high quality of their produce and the effectiveness of their market strategies. The financial gains allowed them to reinvest in their farms, improve their livelihoods, and secure a promising future.
"Before the CRAAB project, we struggled to make ends meet," Raju shared, his eyes gleaming with gratitude. "Now, with strawberries, we have a reliable income and a sense of security. The market linkage workshop was a game-changer, connecting us directly to buyers in Dhaka."
The success story of Raju’s Farmers’ Hub is far from over. With two more months of harvesting ahead, the farmers are poised for further prosperity. The CRAAB project has not only introduced a lucrative crop but has also empowered an entire community, showcasing the transformative potential of strategic agricultural interventions. This inspiring journey stands as a testament to how knowledge, support, and market access can unlock the potential of smallholder farmers, paving the way for sustainable agricultural development.
