We all cherish fresh vegetables direct from farms. Bangladesh is an agriculture-based country and plenty of vegetables are produced here. Many farmers now produce safe food by using organic fertilizers and organic pesticides. But they are deprived of fare prices due to the current market system. On the other hand, consumers are also deprived of the fresh and safe vegetables in a reasonable price. To ensure a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers a ‘farmers’ market’ has been inaugurated in T-Block, ward no 6, Mirpur area by the joint venture of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dhaka North City Corporation and Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust. Farmers from Birulia, Savar will sell their produces in this market on every Friday from 7AM. These farmers are certified by the Department of Agriculture Extension. This initiative will help the consumers to fulfill their nutrition need in a reasonable price. Speakers opined such in the inauguration ceremony today on 18^th June 2021 at T-Block, ward no 6, Mirpur. At this farmers’ market, eight farmers from Birulia, Savar brought their safe produces.

The farmers’ market was inaugurated by the Ward Councilor of ward no 6 of Dhaka North City Corporation MD Taijul Islam Chowdhury Bappi. He said, our honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to make a self-sufficient Bangladesh in the food sector. Safe vegetables are little costly. But if we avoid eating safe vegetables for the price, we will end up spending for our treatment. So, we must focus on eating healthy. At the same time, I request the farmers to sell the produces in a reasonable price as much as possible.

Additional Agriculture Officer of Department of Agriculture Extension Moriom Khatun said that, we provide regular training, organic fertilizers and organic pesticides to the farmers. As producing safe vegetables take more efforts it is a little costly. But we can ensure the good quality and health benefits.

Assistant Director of Department of Agriculture Marketing Tauhid MD Rashed Khan said that, farmers market will ensure a win-win situation for both consumers and farmers. I really appreciate the initiative by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dhaka North City Corporation and Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust and I believe it will expand throughout Dhaka. We are also working to establish farmers’ market in every district of Bangladesh.  

Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture Marketing MD Fazlur Rahman said that, farmers’ market started its journey with the joint initiative by Department of Agriculture Extension and Department of Agriculture Marketing in Manik Mia Avenue. Today we are observing an addition to it. And it is indeed a timely initiative. We will provide all necessary support from our side.

National Project Co-Ordinator of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Jainal Abedin said that, FAO works worldwide with the motto to ensure access to safe food for all. We have established a farmers’ market in T-Block, ward no 6, Mirpur area as a pilot. If we succeed, we will expand it in other wards of DNCC and in Dhaka South City Corporation area. 

Director of Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust Gaous Pearee said that, we have realized the necessity of consuming safe vegetables even more after COVID. Farmers’ market is a good source to access safe and healthy diet. If we can establish a farmers’ market in every ward, city dwellers will be benefitted.

The program was moderated by Senior Project officer of Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, Ziaur Rahman and others present in the program were Sustainable Agriculture Specialist of FAO, Zahangir Alam; FAO representative MD Nazrul Islam; Chairman of Baitul Jame Mosque of T-Block, ward no 6, Mirpur, Dr Abul Kashem and Member Secretary Belayet Hossain; Mirpur ward no 6 Organizational Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League MD Abdur Rahim Sardar and many more.