‘Partner Field School’ in Jhenaidah: Modern, science-based technology transforms farming practices
Taraque Mahamud Joy, Jhenaidah
Moving beyond the confines of traditional four-walled classrooms, green crop fields have been transformed into learning spaces for a new era of agricultural education. Marginalized farmers from the local area participate with enthusiasm, eager to acquire new knowledge.
Some learn hands-on techniques for producing safe food, while others cultivate lush, nutrient-rich gardens. In the village of Baniyakandor located in the Paglakanai Union of Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila—an innovative ‘Partner Field School’ program has been organized, focusing on modern techniques to achieve higher yields at a lower cost.
This initiative aims to make agriculture more environmentally friendly, nutritionally rich, and profitable by blending practical experience with modern science. The event saw the participation of Md. Masud Rana, the Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer; Shahanara Khatun, the Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer for the Baniyakandor block of Paglakanai Union; students from the Agricultural Training Institute; and local farmers of various ages.
This field-based school goes beyond teaching conventional crop cultivation; it imparts skills in improving nutrition, ensuring food safety, adopting eco-friendly farming methods, and fostering new agricultural entrepreneurship. As a result, many farmers are now finding new avenues for additional income, while simultaneously meeting their own families' nutritional needs. Applying the knowledge gained through this training, many local women have established impressive vegetable gardens on the vacant land surrounding their homes. Bithi Khatun, a female farmer from Baniyakandor village, shares, “Previously, we used to farm based solely on our own traditional notions and whims. However, through this training, I have learned a great deal about the proper use of fertilizers and seeds, as well as effective crop care. By adopting these correct farming practices, I am now hopeful of achieving much better yields at a lower cost.”
Farmer Ripon Hossain says, “At this school, I have gained significant knowledge about vegetable cultivation, focusing on nutrition and scientific methods.
Applying this, I am now growing a variety of vegetables, which allows for higher yields at a minimal cost.” Participant Nishita Biswas adds, “Through the ‘Partner Field School,’ I am learning techniques such as applying the precise amount of fertilizer based on crop needs, managing harmful pests and diseases, and maintaining soil health.
Md. Masud Rana, Agriculture Officer for Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila, explains, “The ‘Partner Field School’ initiative is designed to introduce our marginalized farmers to modern agricultural technologies, nutritional improvement, and the production of safe food.
