Ms. Meredith Soule, Technical Division Chief, BFS Office of Country Strategies and Implementation (CSI) of USAID Mission and her team visited 2 farmer groups and an Agricultural Extension Service Center (AESC) in Jessore on Thursday, January 28, 2016.

The visiting team first visited a dairy group in the village of Boro Haibatpur and observed improved livestock practices. They observed the vaccination schedule, routine de-worming and feeding practices of livestock. Team members also met with officials from the Department of Livestock and private extension agents who are ensuring required support for the producer groups.

Ms. Soule and her colleagues later visited another producer group in village  Bade Khanpurunder of Chowgachha Upazila in Jessore. The farmers shared their experiences on modern chili production technology and improved practices. There was a demonstration of improved market linkages activities boosted with different ICT tools and applications. Later, team members went to see an Agricultural Extension Service Center (AESC) established by the project in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). There, they witnessed different supports offered by SAAO (Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer) for the benefit of farmers on improved extension services. Visitors appreciated services channeled through AESC and hoped that these centers would enable better service provisions for local farmers.

Mr. Bidyuth K. Mahalder, the Chief of Party of the Ag Extension Project and senior officials from the project and USAID Dhaka offices were present during the visit.