Mercantile Bank PLC has supported an agricultural research project at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) aimed at reducing post-harvest losses of crops and fish through improved drying systems. The project, titled “Development of a Hybrid Dryer System to Reduce Crop and Fish Post-Harvest Losses,” concluded on Saturday with a formal workshop, according to a media release.
The initiative was implemented with funding of Tk 1.60 crore from the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund. The financial support enabled the university to design, develop, and introduce hybrid dryer technology intended to enhance preservation practices for agricultural producers and fishers.
The concluding event was presided over by Professor Dr Md Abdul Mojid of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Technology. Professor Dr A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, Vice-Chancellor of BAU, attended as chief patron. Special guests included Md Zakir Hossain, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer of Mercantile Bank PLC; Dr Tapas Chandra Paul, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of the bank; and Professor Dr Md Monjurul Alam, Technical Specialist of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bangladesh.
The workshop brought together agricultural entrepreneurs, beneficiaries, researchers, and students. It featured presentations of the research findings and demonstrations of the hybrid dryers developed under the project.
A total of 19 hybrid dryers were produced through the initiative. These units are designed to improve drying efficiency, a key factor in reducing losses that occur after harvesting and processing in Bangladesh’s climatic conditions.
Of the total, 10 dryers have already been distributed free of cost to users in Cox’s Bazar, Patuakhali, Satkhira, Tangail, Khagrachari, and Rangamati. A further six units are currently in the process of being distributed. The remaining three units are being retained by the university for continued research and evaluation.
The project reflects collaboration between corporate funding and academic research, facilitating the application of technological solutions in the agricultural sector. By addressing post-harvest inefficiencies, the initiative is intended to support improved preservation and utilisation of agricultural produce and fish.
Hybrid Dryer Distribution Summary
| Category | Number of Units |
|---|---|
| Total developed | 19 |
| Distributed to beneficiaries | 10 |
| In process of distribution | 6 |
| Retained for research (BAU) | 3 |