BAMIS (Bangladesh Agro-Meteorological Information System) is a mobile application developed by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) to empower farmers across Bangladesh with timely, localized, and science-based agricultural support. A capacity building training on the BAMIS Mobile App was held on Sunday at a Hotel in Chattogram.
The training was organized by YPSA under the “Child-Centered Anticipatory Action Project”, supported by Save the Children, financial support from GFFO and technical support from RIMES.
The session was chaired by Dr. Mohammad Abdul Muyeed, former Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Dhaka. The program began with a welcome speech delivered by Ms. Nasim Banu, Director (Social Development), YPSA.
Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Chattogram, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Apu Marma, Deputy Director, Chattogram; and Md. Omar Faruk, Additional Deputy Director (Crops), were present as Special Guests.
The training was conducted by Khairul Antor, Product Designer, RIMES, who facilitated sessions on the purpose and expected outcomes of the BAMIS app, key features and usage, hands-on practice, installation process, weather-based agricultural advisory interpretation, and decision-making for risk reduction and resource management in farming.
The event was moderated by Muhammad Ataul Hakim, Project Officer, YPSA (Anticipatory Action).
Among others who spoke at the discussion session were:
- Shyamal Chandra Sarkar, Upazila Agriculture Officer, Banshkhali
- Imrul Kayes, Upazila Agriculture Officer, Rangunia
- Kazi Shafiul Islam, Upazila Agriculture Officer, Lohagara
- Muhammad Habibullah, Upazila Agriculture Officer, Sitakunda
- Joydeb Chandra Roy, Agriculture Extension Officer, Banshkhali
- Sharmin Akter, Agriculture Extension Officer, Anwara
- Bittam Kumar Sarkar, Agriculture Extension Officer, Satkania
- Tapan Kumar Roy, Agriculture Extension Officer, Patiya
- Sanjida Akter, Manager, Anticipatory Action, YPSA
- Akfaruzzaman Rubel, Senior Officer, Save the Children
The training was attended by 12 Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers from Banshkhali, 8 FARRM School members, and representatives from YPSA, Save the Children, and RIMES.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Mohammad Ali Jinnah highlighted the importance of transitioning from the previous BAMIS web portal to the new mobile app:
“The introduction of the BAMIS mobile application is a highly effective step. Farmers can now easily access weather forecasts, rainfall, temperature, and other agro-meteorological information. This will support farmers in making timely decisions on crop cultivation, fertilizer and pesticide application, and harvesting, ultimately increasing crop yield and reducing losses.”