Sharsha, Jessore (February 10, 2025) — A three-day agricultural technology fair kicked off today in Sharsha, Jessore, with the goal of promoting modern farming practices and technologies. The fair, which was inaugurated on Monday morning, is organized under the Sustainable Agricultural Extension Project in collaboration with the Upazila administration and the Agricultural Extension Department. The fair will run until Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
The opening ceremony took place at the Upazila Women’s Affairs Directorate courtyard, where a vibrant rally preceded the inauguration by Sharsha Upazila Executive Officer Dr. Kazi Najib Hasan. Dr. Hasan was accompanied by local government officials, including Sharsha Upazila Fisheries Officer Polash Bala, Livestock Officer Tapu Kumar Saha, and Agriculture Officer Dipak Kumar Shah. Also present were representatives from both public and private organizations, along with a large number of local farmers eager to explore the latest advancements in agriculture.
The fair is a key initiative to introduce modern agricultural practices, improved techniques, and new technologies to the farmers of Sharsha. It features a total of 15 stalls showcasing an array of innovations in farming. These include family nutrition gardens, vermi-compost production, modern rice varieties, farming machinery, and processed agricultural products. Public and private institutions have come together to display high-quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and a wide range of agricultural tools designed to boost productivity and sustainability.
Sharsha is well-known for its fertile land and agricultural richness, with 90% of the population engaged in farming. The region produces a variety of crops such as medicinal spices, rice, wheat, corn, potatoes, sugarcane, oranges, and vegetables. These products not only meet local demand but are also exported to different districts across Bangladesh. The fair offers a platform for local farmers to adopt innovative techniques that can enhance their crop yields, improve sustainability, and increase profitability.
The fair is already drawing significant attention from farmers and visitors alike. “Since the inauguration, the number of visitors has been increasing,” said Jinnat Ali, manager of Matiar & Sons, one of the exhibitors. “This fair is offering new hope to farmers, and the turnout reflects the growing interest in these innovations.”
Among the visitors, Saleh Ahmed Mintu, a farmer from Navaran, expressed his appreciation for the fair. “I am happy to be here. The agricultural officers shared valuable information on new varieties and innovations, and the fair has broadened my knowledge,” he said. Another farmer, Nabarun Saha, shared his excitement about learning scientific farming technologies, while female farmer Rajani Bala emphasized the importance of technology in improving farm productivity. “I came to learn how to apply technology in farming and bring prosperity to my household,” she said.
The fair is not only about showcasing new products but also serves as a learning platform for farmers. Upazila Agriculture Officer Dipak Kumar Saha highlighted that the fair is intended to encourage farmers to adopt modern farming techniques. These include fish farming, livestock management, pest control, solar panel technology, and more efficient rice and vegetable farming methods. “Farmers can learn techniques that will help them improve their practices and make their farming more profitable and sustainable,” he said.
One of the key attractions of the event is the recognition of agricultural entrepreneurs. At the end of the fair, awards will be presented to outstanding agricultural entrepreneurs in various categories. This initiative aims to inspire more farmers to experiment with modern practices and contribute to the growth of Sharsha as a model agricultural hub.
Dr. Kazi Najib Hasan, Sharsha Upazila Executive Officer, expressed his commitment to supporting local farmers. “The Upazila administration is ready to provide all necessary assistance to farmers. We aim to make Sharsha a model for agriculture in the region,” he said. The event has provided farmers with not just new knowledge, but also the hope of a more prosperous future through the adoption of modern farming technologies.
As the fair continues, the excitement is palpable, with both farmers and visitors eagerly exploring the stalls and learning about new agricultural innovations that have the potential to transform the landscape of Sharsha’s farming community.