A Milestone in Productive Employment in Agricultural Economy
The Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP) of PKSF has made a significant contribution to building a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable foundation for Bangladesh’s rural economy. By successfully increasing the incomes of micro-entrepreneurs, improving food and nutrition status, and expanding value chains in the agriculture sector, the project has strengthened the role of microenterprises in the national economy, a press release said.
Speakers made these remarks at the closing ceremony of the six-year RMTP, co-funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Danida. The event, held at PKSF Bhaban-1, was presided over by PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan. Nazma Mobarek, Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, was the Chief Guest, while Dr Valantine Achancho, Country Director of IFAD Bangladesh, was present as the Special Guest. The welcome address was delivered by PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader. A presentation on the project was made by Md Habibur Rahman, Deputy General Manager of PKSF and Project Coordinator of RMTP.
In her remarks, Nazma Mobarek said that RMTP has shown how meaningful progress in developing rural entrepreneurs and ensuring food security is possible through the proper combination of planning, innovation, and partnership. Building on the project’s success, she noted, PKSF will soon launch another project, titled ‘GREEN’, financed by IFAD.
Dr Valantine Achancho, Country Director of IFAD said, RMTP is not only a success, it is proof of concept at scale. It has demonstrated that when finance, training, and markets are combined through strong institutions, they become catalytic, delivering transformation that does not end with the project, but continues, expands, and matures. It is not just the closing of a project. It is the demonstration of what is possible when vision, partnership, and effective implementation come together at scale. This is not the end of a partnership, it is the transition to a new level of ambition.
PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan said, “RMTP is more than just a project; it stands as a successful model for sustainable transformation in the rural economy. Its effective initiatives will continue to be carried forward across different contexts, from rural areas to urban settings. PKSF will work to take these successful approaches forward in the years ahead.”
In the welcome remarks, Md Fazlul Kader said that through the RMTP, significant progress has been made in expanding financial services for microentrepreneurs, as well as in introducing modern technologies, strengthening market linkages, and supporting branding and certification. “PKSF remains firmly committed to continuing its efforts to ensure the sustainable development of microentrepreneurs by promoting decent working conditions, addressing risks, and enhancing skills.”
The project presentation highlighted that RMTP engaged over 7.5 lakh families through 90 agriculture-based value chain sub-projects. Among the participants, agricultural production increased by 66%, income rose by 49%, and profits grew by 41%.
At the event, four entrepreneurs supported by the RMTP shared their success stories, describing how the project helped them move from being job seekers to job creators by boosting production, increasing income, and expanding market access. Many of them have also received recognitions at the national level. Products such as cheese, beef pickles, and a variety of vegetables produced under the project are now being exported, adding a new dimension to the country’s export potential.
