From Riverbank to Resilience
In the heart of the Jamuna River basin lies Bhatipara—a small village shaped by resilience. Many families here, including Belal’s, resettled after losing their homes and land to river erosion. Agriculture is the lifeline of this community, though a few residents supplement their income with seasonal work at the nearby sugar mill or brick fields.
Belal, a humble and hardworking farmer, lives with his wife, two daughters, and one son. For years, he cultivated paddy and bananas on a small plot of land, hesitant to explore other crops due to the risks involved. His family survived with great effort, often facing uncertainty and hardship.
That began to change when Belal joined the Community Development Program of PARI Development Trust. Through regular meetings and trainings, he gained practical knowledge and built relationships with government and nongovernment service providers. His participation caught the attention of the Dewanganj Agriculture Office, and he was invited to lead a Farmer Field School as a farmer-trainer.
Belal led the Farmer Field School with dedication—sharing techniques, encouraging innovation, and mentoring fellow farmers. Soon he was called upon to conduct training sessions across Dewanganj Upazila. Gaining experience and confidence, Belal began applying modern agricultural methods on his own land. He transitioned into diversified vegetable cultivation, using advanced techniques that significantly improved his yields. His success not only transformed his family’s financial situation but also contributed to the agricultural growth of his community.
In honor of his remarkable contributions, Belal received the National Medal from the President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh—a proud moment for his village and a powerful reflection of his inspiring journey.
“I will never forget the fundamental change that came into my life through my association with PARI. Through them, I built relationships with various government departments, which helped me reach where I am today. Now, through the Dewanganj Agricultural Development Program, I am sharing my knowledge and experience with marginal farmers in my area. It is a great honor to contribute to agricultural development.”
Bangladesh Dewanganj Program
Led by World Renew and local partner PARI Development Trust