'BADC seed supply project gains momentum'

 
The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) is making progress in strengthening country's seed supply and distribution network through its ongoing Strengthening Seed Supply Chain Project at the Farmer Level, aimed at ensuring that farmers have easier access to high-quality, high-yielding seeds.

The project, implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, focuses on expanding seed storage capacity, improving distribution infrastructure, modernizing marketing systems and strengthening the skills of seed dealers.

Project Director Mahmudul Alam has been overseeing implementation through regular monitoring, coordination with field-level officials and supervision of contractors to accelerate construction and maintain quality standards.

According to project officials, these measures have contributed to progress in infrastructure development, training and seed preservation facilities.

Tk 284.94 Crore Project to Strengthen Seed Distribution

The government has allocated Tk 284 crore 93 lakh 91 thousand for the project, which is scheduled for implementation between September 2023 and June 2027.

The initiative covers 100 channels across 22 seed marketing regions, 42 district seed centres and three upazila seed centers throughout Bangladesh.
Its principal objectives include developing seed storage facilities with a combined capacity of 25,000 metric tons, expanding seed marketing operations, providing training and introducing more effective and modern seed distribution systems.

By improving storage and distribution facilities, BADC aims to make quality seeds more readily available to farmers and strengthen the country's agricultural production system.

Progress in Seed Storage and Infrastructure Development Project documents indicate that construction and infrastructure development are advancing across several components.

Of the 171 seed storage facilities included in the Development Project Proforma (DPP), nine have been completed and handed over.

Construction of another 23 facilities was scheduled for completion by December 2023, while work orders have been issued for eight additional approved storage units.

The project has also reported completion of 10,868.8 metres of boundary walls, representing 100 percent of the planned work under that component.

In addition, construction of 54 gates has been completed, alongside 6,222 square metres of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) roads across 185 project works.

These facilities are intended to improve the operational environment of BADC's seed storage and distribution centers.
Dealer Training Approaches Target

Training constitutes another major component of the initiative, with the aim of improving knowledge of quality seeds, handling procedures and modern distribution practices.

According to the project information, 19,100 seed dealers have received training through 368 batches against a DPP target of 19,200 dealers in 344 batches.

The reported figures indicate that the number of trained dealers is approaching the overall target, although the number of training batches has already exceeded the original plan.

Project officials expect the remaining training activities to be completed by May 2027.

The training programme is expected to support more efficient seed marketing and help farmers obtain appropriate seeds through an improved distribution network.