UCB trains hill farmers to transform agriculture into entrepreneurship
In a bid to uplift hill tract agriculture and inspire entrepreneurship among marginal farmers, United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) recently organised a day-long training programme under its agro-CSR initiative Bhoroshar Notun Janala in Bandarban.
Held at the Bandarban Hill District Council auditorium, the capacity-building event brought together nearly 170 agricultural entrepreneurs from various upazilas. The session focused on enhancing farmers' skills in modern agricultural technology, value chain development, branding, and accessing agricultural finance.
Speaking at the event, Uthui Marma, a young entrepreneur from Naikhongchhari, said, "The idea that a bank only handles money changed for me today. I never imagined a bank would invite farmers and train them to become successful entrepreneurs."
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The training included sessions on cashew and coffee cultivation, livestock and aquaculture opportunities, product processing, and market linkages.
Professor Thanzama Lusai, Chairman of the Bandarban Hill District Council, inaugurated the programme and lauded UCB's efforts in unlocking the agricultural potential of the hill region. The session was presided over by Nabil Mustafizur Rahman, Additional Managing Director of UCB, who emphasised investment in technology-driven farming and entrepreneurship in the hills.
Other guests included Rezwan Karim Siddique, host of Mati O Manush; MM Shah Neyaz, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Bandarban; Abhijit Shil, District Fisheries Officer; Dr Jewel Majumder, Livestock Officer of Sadar Upazila; Zeeshan Kingshuk Huq, Chief Communication Officer of UCB; and Mohammad Selim Chowdhury, Head of SME and Agri Banking at UCB.
Speaking at the event, Siddique said, "Modern agriculture is more than cultivation. It's about planning, market awareness, and value addition. Bandarban already produces cashews, coffee, citrus, mangoes and mushrooms—what we need now is branding and business."
As part of the Bhoroshar Notun Janala initiative, UCB is conducting similar programmes in all 64 districts to empower rural entrepreneurs with confidence and practical knowledge.
Angmra Thui Marma, a farmer from Ruma, shared his hope: "I used to think producing the crop was enough. Now I realise building a brand is also my responsibility. One day, my cashew brand will be known far and wide—that dream is now my strength."
