Shuponno opens first outlet in Dhaka to promote agroecological food
The first outlet of 'Shuponno', aimed at making safe, nutritious, and environmentally friendly food produced through agroecological farming accessible to consumers, was officially inaugurated at Lalmatia (2/7, Block-B) in Dhaka on Friday afternoon.
Speakers at the inauguration emphasised that there is no alternative to consuming safe, chemical-free, and nutrient-rich food to ensure a healthy life. Food produced through agroecological farming, they said, can create a sustainable balance between nature, the environment, and human health.
The programme was presided over by Joarder Nausher Ali, FCA, chairman of Tilottoma Bangla Group, and founder of Tilottoma Organic Agriculture Farm in Gazipur. In his address, he urged all stakeholders to come forward and actively contribute to advancing the movement for safe and sustainable food.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The chief guest, Fazlul Kader, managing director of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), said there is no alternative to adopting agroecological farming practices if Bangladesh is to avoid long-term agricultural degradation. Otherwise, he warned, the fertility of the country's arable land would be severely depleted. He described agroecological farming as a system that goes 'beyond organic'.
Special guests included former secretary Md Selim Reza; Dr Mahbubur Rahman, consultant of the Partner Project of the Ministry of Agriculture; Sanwar Hossain, AIP; natural food expert Shahid Ahmed; food and acupressure specialist Alamgir Alam; Editor of United News of Bangladesh (UNB), Mahfuzur Rahman; Executive Director of Web Foundation, Mohsin Ali; and MA Baten Khan, managing director of BDDL.
Speakers explained that agroecological farming is a science-based agricultural system in which crops are produced without chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or harmful substances. Instead, production is based on the interaction among biotic, abiotic, and physical components of a specific ecosystem, helping preserve soil health, biodiversity, and natural food chains while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
They also noted that agroecologically produced food retains higher nutritional value and natural characteristics, contributing to improved immunity and overall human health. The approach, they added, reduces production costs, minimises waste, and ensures efficient use of natural resources.
Highlighting growing health risks associated with chemically contaminated and processed food, speakers said initiatives like 'Shuponno' can play an important role in encouraging healthier dietary habits. They described 'Shuponno' not merely as a food retail outlet but as a broader movement towards conscious and healthy food consumption.
Special appreciation was expressed for Md Mizanur Rahman, agricultural expert and project director of Sukrishi and 'Shuponno', for his longstanding contribution to the agroecological farming movement. MA Baten Khan was also acknowledged for his role in establishing the outlet and supporting the initiative.
At the end of the programme, the president and the chief guest jointly inaugurated the outlet by lighting ceremonial lamps. The organisers announced plans to expand 'Shuponno' by opening more outlets in Dhaka and other parts of the country to make safe, nutritious, and chemical-free food accessible to people from all walks of life.
