Bringing the benefits of digital technologsmallolder farmers will boost agricultural productivity in Bangladesh. This was the main conclusion of a webinar organized by FAO.

Around the world, digital technologies are transforming agriculture and food production. They improve smallholders’ access to information, inputs and markets, increasing production and productivity, streamlining supply chains, and reducing operational costs. FAO is committed to the digital transformation of agriculture, assisting governments and partners to ensure that there is maximum inclusion.

The workshop was led by the Missing Middle Initiative (MMI). ‘Missing middle’ refers to the smallholders and their organizations who have less access to finance, technology, and information. MMI is financed by GAFSP and implemented by FAO to strengthen producer organizations.

“Our experience tell us that producer organizations help to maximize digital inclusivity. FAO has been working with producer organizations in Bangladesh for many years and this is at the heart of the MMI project”, said Robert D. Simpson, FAO Representative in Bangladesh.

A third of fish in Bangladesh goes to waste

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Nearly a third of caught freshwater and marine fish in Bangladesh is lost before it reaches consumers, according to a new study.

In addition to the physical loss, fish quality deteriorates by 15 percent.  These losses are due to a variety of reasons, including inappropriate methods of fishing, poor equipment, improper handling, and lack of preservation facilities.

The findings were from a study conducted by Bangladesh Agricultural University. Researchers assessed post-harvest fish losses and identified critical loss points in both marine capture and inland fisheries. The study was conducted through a project implemented by the Department of Fisheries with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.