Agro-Inputs Project in Bangladesh Quarterly Progress Report Year 2: April 1, 2014 – June 30, 2014

The project aims to improve the supply of quality agricultural inputs through input retailers, with a focus on creating a sustainable Agro Input Retailers Network (AIRN). The network will leverage 3,000 Government of Bangladesh (GoB)-registered retailers to supply quality, unadulterated, and genuine agricultural inputs to over 1 million farmers. The project has four interventions: Establishment of an Agro-Input Retailers Network, Development of Market Information Systems, Setting Quality Control Standards for inputs and lessening Regulatory Constraints, and Strengthening Local Organizations towards direct implementation. The creation of AIRN will support 300 women-owned retailers with matching grants and technical assistance. In Quarter 3 of Year 2, AIP and AIRN advanced strongly, with AIRN's growth, field demonstrations of quality inputs, and continual training of retail agro dealers. The number of agro-input retailers joining the network increased, with 600 Associate Members and 143 Accredited Members by the end of the quarter. The Market Information Systems-Geographic Information System (MIS-GIS) made significant strides towards its launch in Quarter 4. AIP also advanced recommendations on a revised seed policy, supported the Bangladesh Seed Association (BSA) and the private sector, and conducted an Organizational Capacity Assessment to identify additional opportunities for assistance. The project aims to induce self-regulation for quality products among its members and the industries that supply them, and to induce strong demand amongst buyers of retailed agro-inputs for quality products. The project expanded its reach to 23 Upazillas, with a goal to reach more than 1,000 Associate Members and 500+ Accredited Members by the end of September 2014. AIRN staffs have focused considerable time and resources to catch up on this effort, with more than 1,000 retailers already trained across 18 Districts and ready to join and advance to Accredited Member status. The project's progress in Quarter 3 demonstrates its commitment to creating a sustainable agro-inputs retailers' network that asserts a strong voice of demand for quality agro-inputs supplies. The project's interventions are designed to work in concert and holistically to achieve this goal, with a focus on quality control standards, regulatory constraints, and market information systems. AIP's efforts to support the BSA and the private sector have led to the development of a revised seed policy, which is expected to improve the quality and availability of seeds in the country. The project's Organizational Capacity Assessment has identified additional opportunities for assistance, which will be pursued in the coming quarters. The project's progress in Quarter 3 has laid the foundation for its continued growth and success in the coming quarters. With its focus on creating a sustainable agro-inputs retailers' network, AIP is well-positioned to achieve its goal of improving the supply of quality agricultural inputs in Bangladesh.