Feed the Future Bangladesh Rice and Diversified Crops (RDC) Activity FY2019 Quarter 2 Report

The program aims to catalyze changes in market systems that benefit farmers and improve their livelihoods. The RDC program has made significant progress in the rice sector, with four pilot interventions implemented by Petrochem Ltd, Partex Agro Ltd, Bombay Sweets Ltd, and Isphahani Agro Ltd. These interventions focused on customer-oriented quality inputs supply and innovative marketing strategies. Petrochem Ltd sold 13.7 MT of fine grain hybrid rice seed, which is expected to reach around 7,080 farmers. Partex Agro Ltd sold 10.17 MT of hybrid fine grain aromatic rice seed, which has shown higher yields than other hybrid varieties. These initiatives have highlighted the importance of tripartite linkages between processors, input companies, and farmers, leading to increased adoption of high-yielding and more profitable varieties. In the maize sector, two pilot interventions have been implemented, focusing on customer-oriented quality input supply and ensuring institutional buyers offer incentives. These interventions have resulted in the sale of 56 MT of maize seed, which has benefited 39,490 farmers. Additionally, 10,300 farmers have received crop protection advisory services. The RDC program has also made progress in the pulse and oilseed sectors, with five interventions signed for mungbean and three interventions signed for sunflower. These interventions have focused on procurement and input supply, with some also incorporating buy-back guarantees. The program has also implemented various cross-cutting support functions, including business development support, crop protection, and mechanization. Weekly communications updates are now provided to USAID, and the US Ambassador conducted a site visit to an RDC-supported activity. The RDC program has achieved significant results, with 49,790 (46%) of the FY 2019 target achieved as of the end of the second quarter. The program has also supported the sale of 146.88 MT of rice seed and 56 MT of maize seed, benefiting over 39,490 farmers. The program will continue to monitor and evaluate its progress, with a focus on capturing remaining results and ensuring that the program's objectives are met. The RDC program has also simplified application processes and sub-award agreements to expedite the rapid turnaround of implementation activities. This has enabled the program to respond quickly to emerging opportunities and challenges, and to adapt its strategies as needed. Overall, the RDC program has made significant progress in promoting a diversified farm management approach and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the FTF zone. The program's focus on market systems change and its commitment to monitoring and evaluation have enabled it to achieve significant results and to make a lasting impact on the lives of farmers and their families.