Goals of the MoU
1. Ensure balanced use of
fertilizers and improved
seed varieties for key
crops, particularly through
jointly demonstrating and
marketing improved seeds
and improved fertilizers in
the areas where both ACI
and AAPI are present.
2. Jointly conduct
demonstrations of FDP
and UDP, coupled with
improved ACI seed
varieties for crops and soils,
for farmers in preparation
for the 2014-2015 Boro
season, both through direct
training and through use
of one another’s inputs in
demonstration plots where
applicable.
3. Promotion through ACI
dealers, distributors
and retailers to conduct
demonstrations for educating
farmers on fertilizer use
and improved seeds, and
for recommending optimal
seed-fertilizer combinations
for clients.
4. Develop, through visual
presentation, leaflets and
other product promotion
on the use of FDP/UDP
and improved ACI seeds
for particular crops.
IFDC Magazine
Fertilizer Retailer Increases
Sales with UDP
Md Akkas Ali Mia sells fertilizer at his agribusiness shop
in Matira, where farmers often receive agricultural advice
from Moktar Hossain, a sub-assistant agricultural officer
(SAAO) from Bangladesh’s Department of Agricultural
Extension (DAE). When Hossain mentioned a new urea
fertilization technique called UDP, some of the farmers
wanted to try it right away, while others waited slightly
longer. Before long, Ali had a new business: selling urea
briquettes to local farmers.
Now, UDP brings many farmers to his shop. Ali tells them
about the benefits of UDP and asks them to spread the
word. As these farmers began seeing the higher yields,
they told others to visit Ali’s shop. Working with Hossain
and other SAAOs, Ali’s sales quickly increased as more
and more farmers witnessed the benefits of the new
technology. “The SAAOs played the biggest role in
popularizing [UDP] in the remote villages in my union.
The farmers want to use [the technology] because they
benefit from applying it, and we also make good profits,”
said Ali. As his first stocks of urea briquettes sold quickly,
Ali became closely acquainted with briquette producers
who regularly provided supplies to him as demand grew
for the technology.
Agro-dealers’ cooperation with the DAE and AAPI is one
of many reasons why more than 2 million Bangladeshis
are now using UDP. Ensuring that these entrepreneurs
know and are excited about the technology increases
not only the availability of the product but its adoption
among farmers. Ali is glad that the AAPI project works
with