Skills and enterprise
Summer Vegetable Seeds Distribution
Mukti Cox’s Bazar, partner of FAO, conducted a Summer vegetable seed distribution event. Under the project titled “Strengthening Skills and Entrepreneurship in Agro-food Systems for the Host Communities and Rohingya People in Cox’s Bazar”, the summer vegetable seed distribution was conducted.
The Summer Vegetable Seed Distribution was conducted across all four Upazilas, namely Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Ramu, Ukhiya & Teknaf, encompassing a comprehensive outreach to the local farming communities. During the event, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) personnel actively participated, providing technical guidance to the Farmer’s Groups. Preceding the distribution, DAE personnel conveyed valuable technical messages and suggestions, emphasizing the optimal use of high-quality hybrid seeds. Farmers were encouraged to make efficient use of the provided support.
A robust field monitoring mechanism was implemented throughout the Summer Vegetable Seed Distribution event to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the initiative. This proactive approach aimed to address any challenges promptly and maintain the overall integrity of the project.
The Summer Vegetable Seed Distribution was conducted across all four Upazilas, namely Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Ramu, Ukhiya & Teknaf, encompassing a comprehensive outreach to the local farming communities. During the event, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) personnel actively participated, providing technical guidance to the Farmer’s Groups. Preceding the distribution, DAE personnel conveyed valuable technical messages and suggestions, emphasizing the optimal use of high-quality hybrid seeds. Farmers were encouraged to make efficient use of the provided support.
A robust field monitoring mechanism was implemented throughout the Summer Vegetable Seed Distribution event to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the initiative. This proactive approach aimed to address any challenges promptly and maintain the overall integrity of the project.
Challenges Faced
- Despite the successful execution of the project, the project team encountered several challenges during the Summer Vegetable Seed Distribution:
- Some farmers expressed a preference for seeds like Okra, indicating a need for diversified seed options.
- A subset of farmers displayed a lack of interest in receiving summer vegetable seeds.
- Some farmers were not present at their residences during the distribution.
Mitigation Strategies
To address these challenges, the project team adopted proactive measures:- Alternative Seed Options: The team facilitated communication with farmers to understand their preferences and addressed demands for alternative vegetable seeds like Okra.
- Community Engagement: To enhance interest and participation, the project team engaged with the community, motivating farmers to receive and utilize the summer vegetable seeds effectively.
- Communication Channels: Farmers were encouraged to report seed-related issues through the provided mobile number on the Agriculture Assistance Platform (AAP), ensuring effective communication and issue resolution.