Swisscontact, a Zurich-based organization have joined hands with Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) for promotion of improved jute cultivation and retting practices by signing a two-year tripartite agreement.

Manish Pandey, regional director for South Asia and country director for Bangladesh of Swisscontact; and Md Kamal Uddin, director general of BJRI; and Md Abu Hanif Miah, director general of the DAE, signed the agreement yesterday.

The collaboration aims to utilize the expertise of BJRI for training relevant sub-assistant agricultural officers and using the local network and resources of DAE and M4C.

Under the agreement, Making Markets Work for the Jamuna, Padma and Teesta Chars (M4C) will help the DAE and BJRI to promote improved jute cultivation and retting practices in the chars of 10 districts of northern Bangladesh.

M4C is mandated by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and supported by LGRD and cooperatives ministry and implemented by Swisscontact and Practical Action in collaboration with Rural Development Academy, Bogra.

The alliance will also work to demonstrate and spread knowledge on improved cultivation and retting practices through farmers' trainings and field demonstrations; so that poor char farmers can earn more profits from higher yield and quality fibres.

Swisscontact concomitantly has entered into another agreement with BJRI and Banglalink Digital Communications Ltd to promote the same through agricultural helpline of Banglalink Krishi Jigyasha 7676.

The Swisscontact South Asia Regional Office based in Bangladesh is registered with the NGO Affairs Bureau as an international NGO. Swisscontact facilitates sustainable solutions through long-term cooperation by engaging local players and working with a diverse range of public and private partners.