Ms. Jamie D.Terzi, Country Director of CARE Bangladesh visited program activities of the USAID Agricultural Extension Support Activity (Ag Extension Project) in Satkhira on February 3, 2016. The Ag Extension Project is a part of USAID’s feed the future (FtF) program which aims to enhance access to and utilization of agricultural extension services by smallholder farmers (both men and women).

The project while stepping into year 4, has been linking extension services to the smallholder farmers by building capacities of the agricultural extension agents. Farmer Producer Groups (FPGs) were organized to provide farmers a collective voice to demand extension services synergized by the use of information communication technology (ICT), high quality agro inputs, and finances where needed. Each FPG is focused on one of the 6 value chains (jute, chili, mung bean, dairy, beef fattening, and fish).

Ms. Terzi visited Sally West Para Fisheries Farmer Group of village Sally under Satkhira Sadar upazila and had a discussion with farmers on improved production techniques. On this occasion, she observed gher preparation process, training session and other interventions supported through project activities.

The Ag Extension Project provided these farmers training and capacity building support on improved practices including nursery management, gher preparation, lime fertilizer application, stack management, food management and disease management. Farmers are also provided orientation on issues related to nutrition and women empowerment. Linkages with private extension agents like input sellers and nurserers were facilitated through project activities among others.

Mr. Bidyuth K. Mahalder, Chief of Party of the Ag Extension Project and Ms. Tania Sharmin, National Technical Coordinator, Ag Extension Project, CARE Bangladesh were also present during this visit.