On June 29, 2025, AMAL Foundation hosted a significant event titled “Sowing Sustainable Futures with Super-Crops” at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka. This event, which was part of the UNDP-supported LoGIC Project, celebrated the successful completion of an initiative designed to empower farmers and introduce climate-resilient crops like quinoa and chia into Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape. The event gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers from Khulna and Kurigram, agricultural experts, policymakers, and prominent figures in the development sector, all committed to building a more sustainable agricultural future.
The focus of the event was to showcase the remarkable progress made in empowering farmers through the LoGIC Project. The initiative, which targeted climate-vulnerable areas of Bangladesh, has been instrumental in introducing quinoa and chia cultivation as viable alternatives to traditional crops. These crops are not only nutritionally rich but are also resilient to the changing climate, making them ideal for the farming communities in areas prone to extreme weather events. The event highlighted the project’s efforts in training farmers on best practices for cultivating, harvesting, and preserving these super-crops, thus enabling them to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The event also featured an esteemed group of speakers and distinguished guests who provided valuable insights on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and market integration. Mr. Mohammad Fazla Azim, Joint Secretary, LGD, and National Project Director of the LoGIC Project, chaired the event. In his opening speech, he emphasized the need for continued collaboration between government bodies, academic institutions, and the private sector to scale up climate-resilient agricultural practices. Mr. A K M Azad Rahman, Project Coordinator of LoGIC, UNDP, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the critical role of climate-resilient crops in strengthening food security and economic resilience for farmers. Special Guest Professor Md. Abul Bashar, Treasurer of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, shared his thoughts on the importance of research and innovation in agriculture, while the Chief Guest, Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Latif, Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, stressed the need for continued academic support and public-private partnerships to drive agricultural sustainability.
The event also featured two key panels that explored the future of climate-resilient crops in Bangladesh. The first panel, titled “Bridging the Gap – Strengthening Value Chains and Market Linkages through Private Sector Engagement,” included notable panelists such as Mr. Jyotish Talukdar, Program Specialist (Private Sector Partnerships, Strategy & Business Development, UNDP), Zawad Ul Karim, Assistant Manager at United Group, and Dr. Md. Abdullahil Baque, Chairman and Professor at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University and Delara Farooq, Head of Commercial, BD Dmart foodpanda. This discussion centered around the importance of strengthening market linkages and engaging the private sector to scale climate-resilient crops. The second panel, “From Innovation to Impact – Scaling Climate-Resilient Market Models through Policy and Institutional Pathways,” featured experts like Md. Azizullah Al Mahmud, Project Manager at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Sarah Jabeen Kristy, Assistant Director at AMAL Foundation, Mr. A K M Azad Rahman, Project Coordinator of LoGIC, UNDP and Dr. Parimal Kanti Biswas, Consultant at FAO. This panel addressed the role of policy and institutional frameworks in scaling these crops and integrating them into the market.
While the expert discussions were insightful, the heart of the event was the stories shared by the farmers themselves. The farmers from Khulna and Kurigram who have participated in the LoGIC Project shared their experiences and the positive changes they have witnessed. They described how the introduction of quinoa and chia cultivation has not only increased their income but also given them a sense of hope and resilience in the face of climate change. Their stories were a powerful reminder of the real-world impact of such initiatives and the transformative power of knowledge and training. One farmer shared how they have successfully integrated quinoa and chia into their existing farming systems, demonstrating the adaptability and potential of these crops in traditional farming practices.
The event underscored several key takeaways: First, the importance of continued education and training for farmers to build resilience in the face of climate challenges. Second, the need to strengthen market linkages and create stable demand for climate-resilient crops, which will ensure a sustainable income for farmers. Finally, the event highlighted the crucial role that the private sector can play in scaling up these initiatives, from providing access to markets to offering technical support for farmers. The discussions also focused on the need for a collaborative approach involving the public and private sectors, as well as academic institutions, to drive long-term sustainability in agriculture.
Looking ahead, AMAL Foundation is committed to continuing its efforts in scaling the LoGIC Project and expanding the cultivation of quinoa, chia, and other climate-resilient crops across Bangladesh. The event marked an important milestone, but it also served as a reminder that there is still much work to be done. AMAL Foundation plans to continue working with farmers to improve their agricultural practices and increase their capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change. By strengthening market linkages, enhancing policy support, and fostering public-private partnerships, AMAL Foundation aims to build a more resilient agricultural future for Bangladesh.
As AMAL Foundation continues its mission to empower farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices, we invite everyone to join us in this vital work. Whether through support, collaboration, or spreading awareness, every contribution can help make a meaningful difference in the lives of Bangladesh’s farmers. Together, we can create a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for the country’s agricultural sector.
