In a major bid to elevate the rural economy of Chittagong to new heights, a vibrant Entrepreneur Fair was organized under the auspices of the Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP), which is funded by the Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). Held on December 4, at the HRDC (Human Resource Development Centre) premises in Sitakund, the fair served as a grand exhibition of the innovative capabilities and diverse products of large, small and marginal various kind of entrepreneurs from Sitakund, Mirsarai, Hathazari, and Chattogram Sadar.
The fair primarily functioned as a vital platform for the marketing and demonstration of quality and methodology for products and services produced by entrepreneurs under the sub-projects focused on market development for livestock-based dairy and meat products, alongside the expansion of high-value horticultural crops.
A significant component showcased was the modernization of the value chain, which includes advanced veterinary services. This encompasses a modern veterinary lab and online/app-based telemedicine facilities. Following this is farm mechanization: the shift from conventional practices to the use of modern technology in farm management and production activities is ensuring both increased output and superior product quality.
Furthermore, product certifications like BSTI, ISO, HACCP, and Halal are unlocking limitless possibilities for safe products in the market, allowing the produce of marginal farmers to reach the highest consumer levels. So far, over 90 products have seen market entry and quality improvement under the two sub-projects (Livestock and Horticulture). Directly, 33,000 people are benefiting, with over a hundred thousand indirectly reaping the rewards.
Practices such as organic farming and modern waste management are accelerating adherence to GAP (Good Agricultural Practice), thereby ensuring environmental balance. This combined effort by PKSF and YPSA to strengthen rural micro-enterprises has earned widespread acclaim.
The event commenced with a welcoming address by Mr. Md. Newaz Mahmud, Assistant Director of YPSA. High-ranking administrative officials, officers from partner development agencies, and policymakers from various government departments graced the occasion.
The Chief Guest was Mr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, Sitakund Upazila Nirbahi Officer. Special Guests included Dr. Kollol Barua, Agriculturalist Mr. Md. Habibulllah, and Senior Scientific Officer Mr. Moniruzzaman. Their presence, along with other departmental and Upazila-level officials, underscored the importance of government oversight in ensuring product quality and safety for the entrepreneurs.
Also present were Dr. S M Faruk Ul Alam, PKSF’s Sector Value Chain Specialist, and Mr. Md. Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, YPSA’s Director (Economic) and all other stuff from YPSA engaged directly with the different scale of entrepreneurs, encouraging their ventures. Mr. Md. Manzur Morshed Chowdhury also delivered the presidential address.
The participating entrepreneurs, representing the two sub-projects, showcased their products and activities in colourful stalls. In recognition of their contributions, each participant was presented with a commemorative crest and certification. The RMTP focuses heavily on developing the market for safe meat and dairy products, as well as high-market-value horticultural produce. The sub-project is expected to empower rural producers to expand their competitive micro-enterprises through efficient production methods and robust market linkages. This event is a crucial step on the path toward that sustainable economic transformation.
