Dry fish production of the Nazirartek Motshojibi Somobay Somity Limited (Bangladesh) (Short version)

Описание: Nazirartek, the heart of #Bangladesh’s dry fish industry, has long been shaped by the rhythm of the sea and the sun. For decades, generations of fisherfolk in the coastal village have relied on traditional fish drying to earn a living. Today, Nazirartek stands as one of the country’s key hubs for dry fish production.

Despite their potential, dry fish producers face persistent challenges, including reliance on middlemen, limited access to loans and capital, inadequate processing facilities, and weak marketing channels.

Through the #APFP-#FO4A program, targeted support was provided to strengthen cooperatives such as the Nazirartek Motshojibi Somobay Somity Limited. The cooperative received USD 29,135 to invest in its business operations and improve production systems.

Members underwent training in production techniques and upgraded processing facilities. The cooperative also shifted toward safer and more sustainable practices. Fish are now produced organically, without the use of pesticides, and dried using natural ingredients such as turmeric. Cold storage facilities were introduced to improve quality, reduce spoilage, and extend shelf life. The project also helped link fisher-entrepreneurs with wholesalers and retailers, expanding market access and creating more stable income opportunities. Beyond production, members strengthened their skills in financial management, business planning, and record-keeping.

The cooperative’s sustained efforts to improve production and upskill its members have proven fruitful, generating profits that are shared among members and ensuring that benefits reach fisher families directly.

The Asia-Pacific Farmers’ Program (APFP) – Farmers’ Organizations for Asia (FO4A) is implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC), with funding from the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The program aims to strengthen the capacities of farmers’ organizations to provide economic services, advocate for enabling policies, and promote sustainable livelihoods for small-scale family farmers across Asia. APFP-FO4A is implemented in Bangladesh by the COAST Foundation.