Emphasizing the importance of early preparedness and awareness to address the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Banshkhali Upazila, Md. Omon Sani Akon, said that initiatives like the FARRM School create valuable opportunities for farmers to exchange practical experiences and learn from one another. He noted that through such platforms farmers gain knowledge on new technologies and improved agricultural management practices, which can contribute to increasing local agricultural production and strengthening disaster preparedness.
He made these remarks while speaking as the Chief Guest at the FARRM School: Knowledge Sharing and Peer Learning Event held on 15 March at the field of Banigram Sadhanpur High School in Banshkhali Upazila of Chattogram.
On 15 March 2026, the event was organized under the project “Child-Centred Anticipatory Action for Better Preparedness of Communities and Local Institutions in Northern and Coastal Areas of Bangladesh”, implemented by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) with support from Save the Children, technical assistance from RIMES, and funding from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO).
Farmers from four unions of Banshkhali have been participating in the FARRM School initiative over the past few years, where they learn forecast-based farming practices and anticipatory actions. Through technical support from RIMES, farmers receive agro-meteorological information and weather forecasts through a mobile application, along with regular field-based learning sessions conducted by local agriculture officers and the implementing partner. These efforts are helping farmers make informed agricultural decisions using weather and climate forecasts, thereby improving resilience against climate-related risks.
The program was chaired by Upazila Agriculture Officer Shyamal Chandra Sarkar. Special guests included KM Salah Uddin Kamal, Chairman of Sadhanpur Union Parishad, and AKM Moein Uddin, Head Teacher of Banigram Sadhanpur High School.
Among others who spoke at the event were Sanjida Akter, Project Manager (Anticipatory Action) of YPSA; Mahinur Akter, Project Officer, and S. M. Shahriar Alam, Project Officer (MEAL). The agricultural presentation was delivered by Md. Belayet Hossain, Assistant Project Officer, and Farabi Akash from Save the Children; while the event was moderated by Muhammad Ataul Hakim.
Speakers highlighted that through the FARRM School initiative, farmers are becoming increasingly aware of modern agricultural practices, weather information, and anticipatory actions for disaster preparedness.
The learning-sharing event created a platform for FARRM School members to exchange experiences while also providing peer learning opportunities for non-member farmers. Farmers shared their success stories, participated in on-field learning sessions, and received valuable insights from local government agriculture officers. The program also included interactive and recreational activities such as a quiz competition, a kabaddi match for farmers, and a ball-throwing game in baskets for women farmers, followed by prize distribution among the winners.
The event was attended by around 130 farmers, agricultural extension officials, teachers, local representatives, and community members, along with representatives from partner organizations and government institutions, making it a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and strengthening community resilience.