SAJIDA Foundation has undertaken activities under the Agricultural and Livestock Unit with the support of PKSF since 2013 that aims to boost agricultural productivity thereby generating employment in rural areas. The program focuses on developing on farming and livestock rearing conventions in order to ensure food security. The activities are undertaken in the Microfinance branches which also disburse seasonal agricultural loans in Hathajari, Nazirhaat, Rawjan and Sitakundo in Chittagong. An agriculturist, a veterinarian and an aqua-culturist work with other technical staff and a Technical TA with a diploma in agriculture to improve on established conventions.
Beneficiaries selected are awarded grants and receive various technical trainings, attending demonstrations and learning about various innovative procedures through workshops, field visits and training exercises. Farming clients will be able to access lesson modules on efficacy of varieties of seed and feed and technologies and methods. Those affiliated with Livestock and Fisheries are updated on commercial and small scale advances in livestock, poultry, and fish culture. They are also provided access to veterinarian services that include vaccinations and de-worming. The final push at optimization of agricultural practices includes development of market chains.
Agriculture
| Demonstration | Purpose |
| Porous Pipe | Measure irrigation in Boro paddy field |
| Pheromone Trap | Reduces usage of chemical insecticide |
| USG (Urea Super Groomer) use in Paddy Culture | Reduces misuse of urea fertilizer |
| Paddy seed Cultivation and Preservation | Reduces over purchase of same |
| Cultivation of new HYV- (High Yielding Varieties) | Increases production and introduces new HYV |
| Vegetable Cultivation at Home | Creates awareness of maximizing usage of the homestead |
| Parching | Natural pest management |
| Organic Vegetable Production | Creates awareness on safe vegetable cultivation |
| Vermi-Compost | Builds consciousness of natural and safe fertilisation |
| USG use in Vegetable Cultivation | Builds consciousness of USG application for crops |
| Field day | Motivates others for better engagement |
Livestock
| Demonstration | Purpose |
| Goat Rearing-Slated floor (Ultra Poor) | Introduces modern scientific technology |
| Goat Rearing- slated floor (Poor) | Introduces modern scientific technology |
| Rearing Milking Cows | Increases production using scientific technology |
| Beef Fattening | Fattening within 4 months using modern technology |
| Rearing Sonali Hens | Introduces new breeds thereby allowing Income Generating Activities (IGA) |
| Buck Center | Creates IGA and encourages development of good breeds |
| Duck Rearing | Creates IGA and encourages development of good breeds |
| Rabbit Rearing | Creates new IGA |
| Quail Rearing | Creates new IGA |
| De-worming & Vaccination | Creates awareness of De-worming & Vaccination |
Fish Culture
| Demonstration | Purpose |
| Carp- Mola Polly Culture | Introduces modern technology |
| Carp/Prawn /Carp Fattening | Introduces modern technology |
| Carp catfish culture | Introduces modern technology |
| Koi-Desi/Thai/Vietnam culture | Introduces modern technology |
Agriculture & Livestock Unit
| Particulars | Achievement |
| Technology Demonstration on Agriculture | 792 |
| Technology Demonstration on Fish culture | 229 |
| Technology Demonstration on Livestock & Poultry | 880 |
| Farmers received training on Agri. Livestock & Poultry | 8,839 |
Nasima’s Story
Nasima is a 38 year-old housewife who lives in a village in the Bahadurabad union of Jamalpur district. Her family consists of her husband and 2 children. Her husband’s income as the driver of a human-hauler was not sufficient to sustain the family and they spent their days in hardship. The situation worsened when Nasima’s expenses built up with her two school-going children. She tried various ways to earn additional income but was not successful.
In 2012 Nasima became a member of SAJIDA’s Bahadurabad branch and received Taka 5000 as loan. With this loan Nasima started duck rearing but was unable to continue due to lack of necessary skills. Instead of losing hope, however, Nasima strengthened her resolve.
In 2014, Nasima received training on duck rearing using modern technology. Subsequently she received a grant of Taka 10,000 to start a farm. In consultation with concerned technical program staff, Nasima once again started duck farming with 135 ducklings of good breed. After four months she sold 35 ducks worth Taka 7000, with the remaining 105 ducks in her farm mature for egg-laying.
Nasima hopes that during the egg laying period she will get at least 100 eggs and will be able to earn around Taka 900-1000 per day. She is very attentive to her farm and takes good care of her ducks with the hope of a better future for her family.