A seminar titled “Entrepreneurship Development through RMTP-HVFCEM Project in Chittagong: A Case of YPSA” was held on August 7, 2025, at the Social Sciences Faculty Conference Hall of Chittagong University. The event spotlighted the transformative potential of high-value fruit and crop production in rural Bangladesh, under the RMTP-HVFCEM (High Value Fruits, Crops Expansion and Marketing) initiative led by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) in collaboration with Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF).
The seminar was presided over by Professor Mamtaj Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Department of Public Administration, with Professor Dr. Kamal Uddin, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), attending as the Chief Guest.
Other notable attendees included Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman, Founder and Chief Executive of YPSA, Professor Dr. Enayet Ullah Patwary, Dean, Faculty of Social Science, Dr. Shamsunnahar Chowdhury, Management Advisor, YPSA Newaz Mahmud, Assistant Director, YPSA, Suman Debnath, Project Officer, YPSA, Faculty members and students from Chittagong University.
Professor Dr. Amir Mohammad Nasrullah of the Department of Public Administration delivered the keynote address, offering a comprehensive overview of the RMTP-HVFCEM project. His presentation emphasized: Expansion of high-value fruit production in Sitakund and Mirsarai upazilas, Adoption of modern farming techniques and entrepreneurship training, Enhanced income generation, nutrition, and farmer empowerment and Challenges including transportation, storage, and project sustainability
Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman shared that the project, launched in February 2022 and set to conclude in December 2025, aims to engage 6,000 marginal farmers. He affirmed YPSA’s commitment to adapting future strategies based on the identified challenges, ensuring that solutions are farmer-centric and sustainable.
Dr. Kamal Uddin, in his remarks, praised YPSA’s initiative and suggested that future research should incorporate economic analysts or anthropologists to better understand the financial dynamics of rural entrepreneurs. He also encouraged scaling the project to other districts, leveraging the insights gained.
During the seminar, Professor Dr. Amir Mohammad Nasrullah formally handed over the research paper to Dr. Md. Arifur Rahman, Chief Executive of YPSA, symbolizing the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to rural entrepreneurship.
In his closing statement, Professor Mamtaj Uddin Ahmed expressed deep appreciation for the project’s impact. He noted that the cultivation of high-value fruits not only meets domestic demand but also significantly boosts rural livelihoods. He commended YPSA for its role in economic development and thanked all participants for their contributions to the seminar’s success.
