Sixteen farmers' markets established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations under the project titled "Establishing Neighborhood Farmers' Market in Dhaka" have been running for over a year and continue to ensure safe and healthy food supply to the city dwellers. An Urban Food Desk has been created under the Local Government Department to continue the Dhaka Food System Project. Initiatives must be taken to make farmers' markets sustainable through this food desk.

On October 12, 2023, at 10.00 am, the speakers opined such at a workshop organized with ward councilors to determine strategies for sustaining the farmers' market. Moderated by the Senior Project Manager of Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust, Ziaur Rahman, Joint Secretary of the Local Government Department, Numeri Zaman was present as the chief guest, Deputy Secretary of Water Supply-1 of the Local Government Department, Md. Mustafizur Rahman was a special guest, and Project Manager Naima Akter presented the keynote speech of this event. National Project Coordinator of DFS Project of FAOBD Jainal Abedin, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist MD Zahangir Alam, and Director of Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust Gaous Pearee, also spoke in the workshop.

Gaous Pearee said the contribution of farmers to the safe food and national economy of Bangladesh is undeniable. In this case, a farmers' market is a suitable initiative, and if the initiative is made sustainable, both consumers and farmers will benefit. Due to increased dependence on fast food, junk food, and packaged products, the rate of non-communicable diseases has increased alarmingly in the country, especially among the young generation. In this circumstance, increasing public awareness to consume safe food is important.

Md. Mustafizur Rahman said it is easier for the local government department to take initiatives if an integrated recommendation of the farmers, consumers, and councilors' office is provided as a proposal on what to do to sustain the markets. A letter from the City Corporation or local government may be issued to ensure security to the farmers. In terms of price management, the consumer will benefit if the Department of Agriculture Extension determines the price considering the production cost as well as ensuring profits.

Numeri Zaman said we have learned about the challenges in managing the farmer's market. We are trying to allocate funds for the Urban Food Desk from the Ministry of Finance so that the necessary funds can be given to operate the markets. The involvement of the Department of Agriculture Extension in this program is necessary because otherwise, it is impossible to ensure the quality of food. Today we received recommendations from councilors on market management, which will help us take initiatives to make markets sustainable.

Chief Social Welfare and Slum Development Officer of Narayanganj City Corporation KM Faridul Miraj, Slum Development Officer of Gazipur City Corporation Md. Abdul Hamid Sarkar, Mr Mahbubul Alam, Councilor, Ward no. 1,  Mr Abul Bashar, Councilor, Ward-19 , Md. Hasibur Rahman, Councilor, Ward no. 26, Rokon Uddin Ahmed, Councilor, Ward No.39, Mr Noor-e-Alam, Councilor, Ward no. 55, Farhana Islam Dolly, Reserved Councilor, Ward 1,11,12, Shefali Aktar, Reserved Councilor, Ward no.55,56,57, DSCC; Dhaka North City Corporation ward 31,33,34 Roksana Alam, Reserved Councilor, Ward no. 31,33,34, Shikha Chakraborty, Reserved Councilor, Ward no. 6,7,8, DNCC; Hasan Ajmal Bhuiyan, Councilor, Ward no.28, GCC; Asit Baran Biswas, Councilor, Ward no.15, NCC; Savar Upazila Agriculture Officer Mst Sharmin Sultana, Narayanganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Mahmuda Hasnat, Rupganj Upazila Additional Agriculture Officer Afroza Sultana, Gazipur Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Md. Nurul Islam were also present in the event.