Although Planten Agro Limited is a startup company, but the people we band together are experienced, knowledgeable and skilled in the Bangladesh agricultural scenario. For example; this team consisted with i) Market systems experts, ii) Market development experts, iii) Value chain experts and iv) Sales and marketing experts for more than 18-20 years. Most of the team members have worked previously in different International agencies as well as marketing companies and were responsible to strengthening input (Seed, pesticide, fertilizer and service) and output (Wholesalers and other buyers) market. We have already conducted few study and research on vegetable and potato market. Our team is also ready to conduct such study and research in the future to understand the market in the fast changing climate and market. Such activities could help us to improve our understanding towards market trends. On the other hand, they are very much interested to conduct any sort of research/study on saline tolerant varieties for the Southern part of Bangladesh. They already proposed a renowned agri-input company for conducting such research/study in jointly manner. Southern part is consisting 21 districts and a large number of farmers are trying to produce vegetables and potatoes but saline water and soil condition limited them to grow different types of crops.
Hilly areas of Bangladesh is another challenge regarding quality input and marketing of agri produces. Team already have gathered few dynamics of these hilly areas. They worked hard in a European Union funded projects exclusively for the hill tracks and achieved a lot of success regarding farmer group formation, train these farmer groups to adopt good agriculture practice as well as the importance of quality vegetable seeds as the first priority, implementing Micro Seed Vendor methodology to supply quality seeds in their door steps and develop linkages between these groups and wholesalers for marketing their produces after production. This project is a success and an eye opener for us to understand the hilly market which will help us in the future to intervene in these areas to expansion our business with ensuring mutual benefits. In addition, in our future plan, we have an intention to establish a R&D (Research and Development) in the Northern part of Bangladesh. For now, we are able to set up of multi-location trial to understand the characteristics of any crop which is not tested considering local climate, soil condition and farmer’s practice. As we said before, our experts know the market and the market actors very well through their work experience. They know how Bangladeshi market works regarding farmers practice, market actor’s mindset, probable challenges and problems of agri-sector, underlying causes of these problems and also how to solve these problems with the help of their vast experience, knowledge and understanding of local context. They are expert in developing and introducing new market concepts that established successfully in different area. For example; i) Public-Private Initiative (PPI), ii) Micro Seed Vendor approach for very remote areas of Bangladesh, iii) Grow to sell concept, iv) Crop calendar initiative, v) Collection Points for marginal farmers and vi) Linkage between farmers’ and wholesalers and private companies etc. Please find a brief introduction of our key experts;
Golam Faruque: Has a deep understanding of the private sector attributes and requirement as well as the development prerequisite of the country. Has the practical experience in implementing field level activities for developing sustainable market systems throughout the value chain for more than fifteen years. Now, working as a market and business transformation expert. Has capability to design and implement projects. Has practical experience in transforming a private company from good to great in terms of corporate culture and generating revenue inflow in a sustainable manner. Well strategic to blend sales & marketing with market development. Expert in forming PPP. Expert in policy formulation, market analysis and develop strategies to penetrate market in sustainable manner. Has conducted several study, value chain analysis and market systems analysis under national and international agencies.
Debasish Bhattacharyya: Has practical experience in implementing field level activities for developing sustainable market systems throughout the value chain for more than fourteen years. Has deep understanding and capability to inclusion of market development in private sector. Well experienced in forming Public Private Partnership. Expert in developing training manuals and providing training to the relevant stakeholders. Has linkages with foreign funded financial institutes. Working as a market transformation practitioner. Has capability to design and implement projects and also has the expertise in managing a large number of staff. Well strategic to blend sales & marketing with market development. Also, has a deep understanding of the private sector attributes and requirements. Expert in agricultural private sector. Has conducted several study, value chain analysis and market systems analysis under national and international agencies.
Aowlad Hossain: Has 22 years of experience as development professional in Bangladesh. Worked as an expert for market systems development to engage private sector in sustainable manner. Has deep understanding in horticultural development activities -nursery, vegetable seeds, crops and fruits backward-forward linkages. Worked exclusively for the Development of Livelihood and AIGAs for poor farmers with existing resource and skill development in agricultural sector. Managed project through partners on farmer’s production and market linkage development in agriculture & non-agricultural sector. Has worked in high-value commercial crops, fisheries, livestock, non-agricultural products value chain analysis and agro-business development for commercial farmers & women HHH (Northern, Southern & Coastal areas in BD. Has deep knowledge in Research & Development Planning to identify & select market oriented vegetable crops variety, planned to develop sales target & achievement strategy as Marketing & Sales ideas for Bangladesh seed market. Well strategic in terms of new technology commercialization to Bangladeshi seed companies through comprehensive plan and campaigning to provide smallholder farmers access to high-quality seeds of improved varieties of horticultural crops to increasing productivity and income.
Nurul Alam: A notable working experience in sales & marketing in various renowned and reputed agro based government and private companies (especially in seed sector) in Bangladesh for more than 18 years. Leaded seed potato department of A R Malik Seeds (Bangladeshi agent of Agrico BV-A Netherlands based seed potato breeding company) for 6 years. It is one of the largest seed potato marketing company in Bangladesh. Expertise in preparing sales budget, sales & marketing, monitoring & analysis marketing activities and product planning accordingly. Worked with government organization such as Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) as Assistant Director (Seed Marketing). Worked with renowned private companies like BRAC Seed and Agro Enterprise, Lal Teer Seed Ltd. etc.
Shekhar Banerjee: Shekhar Banerjee is a development expert in the field of health, nutrition, policy advocacy, research and program implementation. Mr. Banerjee has 20 years of experience to work with national and international organization as well development partners eg. EU, ADB, giz,Care Bangladesh, ICDDRB, GOPA worldwide Consultants gmbH. He has also experience and working with government ministries and departments in its system strengthening and capacity building. He has extensive working experience in research and monitoring which covers primary health care and to facilitate multi-sectoral action for nutrition, local public private partnership and introduce social business models to strengthen the demand and supply of local, nutritious, agro ecological foods. He has also hands on experience of program management, direction, capacity building and policy level advocacy.
Prospective we have to develop linkages with relevant organizations
Since our experts have worked a major time of their professional carrier in different International organizations, they have good connection with the people who are still working in that field. As sector expert, we experienced so many opportunities in Bangladesh as it is progressing as a middle income country. So, fresh agriculture products are transforming rapidly as various processed foods. In this regard, a numerous national and international development agencies working together under government mandate. We are well connected to some of these agencies that might create an opportunity to work together for our future agriculture.