Bangladesh is traditionally an agro-based country for geographical reasons. Historically agricultural products play a major role in the GDP of the country. Recent statistical data shows that agricultural products are now at 3rd position in the sectoral share of GDP. The economic condition, per capita income and quality of life of Bangladesh can be improved if proper emphasis is given on the agricultural sector and appropriate promotion strategy for the agricultural industry is undertaken. This promotion strategy should be undertaken in different scales on the basis of need and priority. In Bangladesh there are lots of National level goals and policies for industrial promotion and there are also some Local level plans; but the intermediate stage (Regional level) between these two is always neglected. National level plans are always too broad on the other hand Local level plans are too specific. A combination of these two scales of planning is needed for quick and efficient improvement strategy. In this study Regional promotional strategy for two agricultural products in two different districts (Jute-Shariatpur; Sweetmeat-Rajbari) is discussed to minimize the above mentioned gap between National and Local level.

1. Promotion of Agricultural
Product in Districts of Bangladesh
Course No. PLAN-434
Course Name: Regional Planning Studio
Presented by: Group-04
Rifat Rahman (0615005)
Nabila Nur Kuhu (0615009)
Shahadat Hossain Shakil (0615020)
Khaled Bin Abdul Quadir (0615030)
Department of Urban and Regional Planning, BUET

3. Promoting Jute Production in Shariatpur

4. Why Promote Jute Production?
 Jute – ‘The Golden Fibre’ used to contribute
90% of the country’s total export earnings
during 1960-70.
 At present -
 35% of the world demand for Jute supplied by
Bangladesh.
 ‘Jute Sector’ holds the 3rd and 5th position in
export receipts.
 Potential sector because –
 Demand is increasing for diversified and
environment friendly use of Jute based

5. Why Promote Jute Production in Shariyatpur?
 Ideal condition for Jute growing in terms of
Geographic characteristics.
 LQ value (313.678) is highest in terms of
production.
 LQ value (1.519) is Moderately Above to the
National Average in case of production rate.
 Favourable position with respect to the location
of the Jute Mills.
 Close proximity to Dhaka city which is vital for

6. Promotion of Jute in Shariyatpur
Weakness
Strength
 Jute can be cultivated
 Favourable geographical only once in a year.
characteristics.  Poor rate of return in
Availability of sufficient labor force. terms per ton of production.
Opportunity
Threat
 Increasing demand of Jute.
 Water pollution occurs
 Possibility of flourishment for cottage
during retting.
industries.
Production process largely
 Close proximity to Dhaka.
dependent on nature.

7. Promoting Strategy
Agricultural
 Supply of high yielding seed and fertilizer like India and China.
 Modern technology like ‘Fibre Extractor Machine’ to reduce labour cost.
 Efficient use of water for retting.
Economic
 Ensure proper selling price of the jute.
 Market development initiatives through exploring new market.
 Increasement of local use and strict rules on the use of polythene .

8. Promoting Strategy
Financial
 Providing monetary grant in Jute Sector like Leather Industry.
 Simple interset loan facilitiies.
 Premium facility for high quality fibre.
Physical Infrastructure
 Jute Mill establishment in Shariyatpur.
 Improved transort facility with the Chittagong and Mongla Sea
Port and Narayangonj Industrial Area.
 Research institute at Shariyatpur.

9. Promoting Sweetmeat Production in Rajbari

10. Reasons for Promoting Sweetmeat
Festive Demand
Cultural Factor
Locally Huge Demand
Possibility of Exporting

11. Why Rajbari?
Highest LQ value (318.676) for Sweetmeat production.
3 main ingredients – Milk, Sugar and Wheat have high LQ
value in and around Rajbari.
Preferable location for Sweetmeat industry in terms of raw
materials.
Traditionally renowned area for Sweetmeat production.

12. Promotion of Sweetmeat in Rajbari
Strength Weakness
 Availability of the raw materials.  Perishable nature of the
 Traditional skilled labor. Sweetmeat.
 Highest LQ value among the country.  Seasonal variation in the
demand.
Opportunity Threat
 Close proximity to capital city Dhaka.  Occupation switching by the
 Suitable location for supplying all over traditional workers for better
the country. earning.
 Flourishment as an export oriented  Sweetmeat shop with false
area. brand name.

13. Promotion Policy
Infrastructure Policy
 Increasing the no. of “Poultry Farms” in Pabna ,Sirajgonj and Rajbari.
 Promoting “Sugar Mill” in Jhenaidah and Faridpur.
 Establishing “Wheat Industry” (Roller Mill) in Rajbari, Magura and Pabna.
(Raw Materials Promoting Area Map)
 Better transport facility – to bring the raw materials from the nearby
areas.
 Building quick distribution network with Dhaka – to catch the greater
market and for exporting because Sweetmeat is a perishable good.
 Vocational centre/ Training centre - for Sweetmeat workers.

14. Promotion Policy
Economic Policy
 Loan facilities – for raw materials and better freezing option.
Strictly maintain the “Copyright” for the name of the sweetmeat shop.
Marketing Policy
 Sweetmeat fair in home and abroad during festivals – will serve the
promotional works of different varieties.
Establishing a “Sweetmeat Center” in Dhaka – all varieties of the country
under one roof.

15. Thanks for your patience……
Q/A

16. Source: IJO, Dhaka

18. Diversified Use of Jute:
 Jute sticks - production of particle boards, pulp and paper.
 Sacking and gunny bags – largely used in packaging agricultural and
industrial commodities.
 Hessian cloth - carpet manufacturing and for production of fabrics.
 Geo-jute cloth - for construction of roads and embankments.
 Hydrocarbon free jute products - for packing food.

19. Geographical Characteristics of Shariyatpur
Criteria Favourable In
for Jute Shariyatpur
Production
Temparature 18˚-33˚C Annual
Averege
35.8˚C
Rainfall Annualy Annually
more than 2105mm
1500 mm
Soil Type Clay to Mainly
Sandy Clay and
Loam Mix Type

20. LQ (Production) LQ (Production Rate)

21. Fibre Extractor Retting of Jute by efficient use of water

26. Comparison between Rice and Jute
Criteria Rice Jute
Yield per hectare 2 tons 1.2 -1.5 tons
Labour 145 man/day/ton 215 man/day/ton
Per Quintal 1100 tk. 1200 tk.
Selling Price

27. Why Promote Agricultural Product at District Level ?
 Bangladesh : traditionally an agro-based
country for geogarphic reasons.
 Agriculture is now at 3rd position in the
sectoral share of GDP.
 District Level is the ‘Regional Scale’ in
context of Bangladesh; in between
‘National’ and ‘Local’ Level.