The importance of providing small and marginal farmers with direct access to markets to ensure fair prices for their agricultural products was highlighted at a recent regional marketing workshop. Agricultural marketing experts and entrepreneurs emphasized the need to link farmers to markets promptly, with a focus on organizing group marketing through the formation of farmers' organizations in selected areas.

The workshop, organized by the Regional Office of the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) at Victoria Convention Hall, received support from the Program on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience (PARTNER). Discussions revolved around adopting best agricultural practices, promoting processing, and creating exportable markets for agricultural goods.

DAM Director General Masud Karim addressed the workshop as the chief guest, emphasizing the urgency of establishing market linkages between entrepreneurs and farmers to ensure fair prices for agricultural products. He assured attendees that the department is committed to supporting this endeavor.

Karim highlighted the significant role entrepreneurs play in the country's economic development and announced DAM's project to generate 20,000 entrepreneurs by enhancing their capacity. These entrepreneurs will focus on producing various exportable agricultural products such as mango, jackfruit, potato, tomato, and aromatic rice. Additionally, DAM plans to provide training opportunities abroad for young entrepreneurs in the future, further enhancing their skills and capabilities.