UCB empowers char fasson's agribusiness

United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) recently hosted a day-long skill development training programme for nearly 175 agricultural entrepreneurs across 7 upazilas of Bhola district.

This initiative falls under UCB's "Bhoroshar Notun Janala" project, a key programme to support the farm sector.

The training, held at Maruf International Restaurant and Party Centre in Char Fashion on 9 January 2025, saw esteemed guests in attendance. Syed Faridul Islam, Additional Managing Director of UCB, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Nabil Mostafizur Rahman, an Additional Managing Director of UCB, and Rezaul Karim Siddique, a renowned presenter and agricultural expert from BTV's "Mati o Manush" program, served as special guests.

The inaugural ceremony featured insightful addresses from the Additional Deputy Director of Bhola District Agricultural Extension Department SM Shahabuddin, District Livestock Officer Md. Rafiqul Islam Khan Char Fasson Upazila Agriculture Officer Krishibid Roknuzzaman, Upazila Livestock Officer (Acting) Dr Md. Rahmat Ullah and Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Jayanta Kumar Apu. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Mohammad Selim Chowdhury, Head of SME and Agri Banking Division of UCB, Molla Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Branch Manager of Bhola District, and Md. Zakir Hossain, Branch Manager of Char Fashion.

Addressing the gathering, Syed Faridul Islam emphasised UCB's commitment to fostering commercial agriculture and enhancing food security within the nation. He highlighted the "Bhoroshar Notun Janala" project, which focuses on empowering agricultural entrepreneurs nationwide through various initiatives. These include skill development training programsme, tree planting initiatives, installation of lightning arrestors, livestock treatment and vaccination services, provision of organic fertilisers, improved seeds, and modern agricultural equipment, technical training and support, and research on developing suitable crops and technologies for char lands and salt-affected areas.

Nabil Mostafizur Rahman underscored farmers' critical role in ensuring food security for all Bangladeshi citizens. He stressed the importance of equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to thrive. UCB's initiative empowers farmers to become successful entrepreneurs and adopt climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

Rezaul Karim Siddique, a respected agricultural analyst, commended UCB's efforts, emphasising the pivotal role of agriculture in driving Bangladesh's economic growth. He highlighted the significance of such training programs in equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in the agricultural sector.

Throughout the day-long training, participants engaged in interactive sessions focused on enhancing practical agricultural skills, developing effective marketing and sales strategies, and understanding key aspects of agricultural credit policies and interest rates.