TBT DESK, Rajshahi – A workshop reviewing the progress of the Climate Resilient Agricultural Advancement in Barind (CRAAB) project took place on May 8, 2025, in Rajshahi. Organized by the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF) Bangladesh, the event brought together 16 participants to discuss the project's achievements, challenges, and strategies for expanding its impact across the Barind region.
The CRAAB Project, funded by HSBC Bank and implemented by SAF Bangladesh and co-implemented by DASCOH Foundation, operates in the Barind tract areas of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon districts. Mr. Farhad Zamil, the Executive Director of SAF Bangladesh, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the critical role of the CRAAB project in building climate resilience within the Barind region's agricultural sector. He highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, stating, "CRAAB is a testament to what collaborative efforts can achieve in addressing climate vulnerabilities while promoting sustainable farming."
Mr. Abdur Rouf, Director, Program Development of SAF Bangladesh, provided a comprehensive project overview, detailing the project's goals and activities and Mr. Md. Akramul Haque, Chief Executive Officer of DASCOH Foundation, shared experiences from the CRAAB project, focusing on scaling strategies, partnership development, and the clarification of stakeholder roles and responsibilities.
A session dedicated to reviewing the project's progress, key learnings, and field challenges was led by Mr. B. M. Saidur Rahman, the Project Manager of the CRAAB project of SAF Bangladesh. This session offered valuable insights into the practical aspects of project implementation. A significant part of the session involved a "flashback" on the project's journey, highlighting key learnings and obstacles encountered in the field. This was followed by an interactive discussion aimed at developing effective strategies to broaden the CRAAB project's reach and benefits within the Barind region.
Impressive results shared during the review highlighted significant achievements in sustainable agriculture, including bringing 3034.5 hectares of land under improved water management by scheme base AWD practices for Boro rice and provided training for 8294 farmers in efficient water use AWD technology for rice cultivation. Additionally, the project trained 5386 farmers to adopt ultra-high-density plantation (UHDP) of mango cultivation with drip irrigation across 251.8 hectares. Furthermore, 4983 farmers received nutrition gardening and vermicompost training, improving soil health on 142.9 hectares. Finally, the establishment of 25 Farmers' Hubs generated a BDT 2,97,66,552 turnover by providing crucial support and market linkages, demonstrating a tangible positive impact on the local agricultural economy while also identifying challenges for future strategic adjustments.
The workshop benefited from the active participation of senior officials from both SAF Bangladesh and DASCOH Foundation. Representing SAF Bangladesh were Mr. Krishno Gopal Sen, Director, Finance & Admin; Mr. Md. Ashraful Alam Pradhan, Director, Livelihood and Economic Growth; Ms. Sharmin Bulbul, Manager, M&E and Communication; and Mr. Mahfuzur Rahman, Senior Project Officer. Attendees from DASCOH Foundation included Mr. Shankar Kumar Swarnakar, Director of Finance, and Mr. Sanjoy Sarker, Project Coordinator, along with the entire field implementation team.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to accelerating progress towards CRAAB’s objectives: strengthening climate-resilient farming practices, enhancing farmer capacities, and fostering inclusive, sustainable agricultural development in the Barind region.
