Swisscontact empowers shibganj mango growers
Shibganj Municipality in Chapainawabganj district has emerged as a beacon of innovation and sustainability through its groundbreaking efforts in mango cultivation through Public-Private dialogue.
On January 14, 2025, the municipality hosted a regional campaign titled "Local Economic Development Model and the Role of the Mango Sector in Economic Development." Supported by PRABRIDDHI, a Local Economic Development (LED) project operating in Bangladesh since 2018, the event highlighted how the municipality is increasing revenue, improving services, creating platforms for public-private dialogue, and utilising technologies such as Ultra High Density (UHD) farming and top-working techniques for mango production to increase yield and ensure year-round harvests.
The PRABRIDDHI project is jointly funded by the Government of Bangladesh and Switzerland and implemented by the Local Government Division (LGD) and Swisscontact.
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Swisscontact and the Local Government Division of Bangladesh have long been at the forefront of driving Local Economic Development. Since 2018, it has implemented public-private dialogue and innovative interventions to foster community engagement, economic growth, and environmental responsibility. The project is actively working in 7 municipalities and entering into two new municipalities in 2025. Shibganj's recent successes in upgrading municipal services, generating revenue from holding taxes, improving waste collection, and adopting the right techniques for Ultra-High-Density (UHD) mango farming exemplify the project's overarching vision.
The project's transformative journey began in 2018 with the introduction of the Digital Trade Licensing System, streamlining municipal services and governance. In 2019, a multi-stakeholder platform was established to foster collaboration and drive local economic growth. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, innovative digital marketing strategies supported economic resilience. The adoption of Ultra-High-Density (UHD) technology in 2021 revolutionised mango farming, while a 2022 knowledge-sharing visit to Thailand enhanced local expertise in UHD cultivation. In 2023, waste-to-product initiatives emphasised sustainability by converting waste into valuable resources. By 2024, advancements in mango processing unlocked new opportunities, cementing the project's role in promoting sustainable and inclusive development.
The event at Shibganj Upazila Parishad brought together key stakeholders, including nine municipalities, to discuss the transformative impact of UHD technology. This advanced method allows mango trees to be planted optimally, accommodating up to 1,666 saplings per hectare. This approach maximises land use and enhances efficiency by enabling shorter harvest cycles and simplifying maintenance. Farmers can reap benefits within two to three years, with consistent fruit quality catering to domestic and international markets.
Dr Sorof Uddin, Senior Scientific Officer at BARI, presented his field research on eight municipalities, focusing on challenges in adopting mango cultivation based on the Shibganj model. He proposed practical solutions, emphasised Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for mango production, and highlighted UHD and top-working technology. His insights outlined strategies for higher yields, overcoming adoption barriers, and meeting export standards.
Notable figures, such as Md Abdus Samad, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Chapainawabganj; Jibon Krishna Saha Roy, Director General of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); and Alamgir Kabir, Head of Business Administration at Swisscontact Bangladesh, attended the event. The day-long program was hosted by Shibganj Municipality and led by its administrator, Md. Azahar Ali also featured an LED seminar showcasing the Bangla LED model, which has successfully addressed challenges through public-private dialogue. This approach has improved market infrastructure, digital trade licensing, and municipal services like waste management and tax collection, setting a benchmark for other municipalities.
