In the environmentally stressed riverbank area of Ashulia, Savar, 61-year-old farmer Md. Moyen Uddin has turned adversity into opportunity through climate-smart agriculture. Farming 120 decimals of land near a waste disposal site, he long struggled with polluted irrigation water, poor soil health, and low yields from traditional BRRIdhan28 rice.

With support from Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition under the Climate Action at Local Level (CALL) Programme, funded by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh and implemented by OBHIZATRIK Foundation, Moyen Uddin adopted BRRIdhan102 zinc-enriched rice, along with improved fertilizers and technical guidance.

He followed proper seedbed preparation, timely transplanting, efficient irrigation during off-peak hours amid fuel shortages, and integrated pest management. Despite industrial runoff risks, the crop showed strong growth and uniform maturity.

By May 2026, his field displayed healthier plants and heavier grain-bearing panicles, with significantly higher yield expected. The zinc-rich rice also enhances household nutrition.

Reflecting on his success, Moyen Uddin said the new variety not only increased yield but also improved nutritional value. Local agriculture officials confirmed that such interventions are helping farmers adopt improved practices and build resilience.

This success highlights how climate-smart, biofortified agriculture can transform vulnerable farming systems and strengthen livelihoods in challenging environments.