5. Maize Sector Development Project

Client

Katalyst

Location

Northern Bangladesh and Chittagong Hill Tracts

Duration

17 Months (October 2011 – February 2013)

Status

Completed

Background

The project aims to develop the maize sector nationally following market development approach capturing opportunities for gender involvement as and when applicable in the existing interventions, with special focus to char areas, Chittagong region, and the kharif season. GMark Maize Team, along with Katalyst, has undertaken several interventions in the areas where the maize market is challenged with constraints like limited access to quality seeds, low knowledge on proper maize cultivation techniques and post harvest management, and most importantly lack of a proper marketing channel. GMark with its Maize Market Development project has introduced dedicated credit line for maize contract farmers in northern regions. So far GMark has managed to provide loan to maize farmers through Agrani Bank Limited (ABL) and National Credit & Commerce Bank (NCCB) Limited.

Intervention Areas

GMark has intervened with the following interventions to bring systemic changes in the maize sector.