By Gunjan Rema, from Kalmakanda, Netrakona

A day-long training workshop on “Market Analysis” was organized by BARCIK at the Agroecology Learning Center in Uttar Lengura, Kalmakanda upazila of Netrokona district to enhance local farmers’ understanding of market systems.

A total of 25 farmers, both men and women, from Uttar Lengura and nearby villages participated in the training. Alpana Nafak, a field facilitator from BARCIK, explained the objectives of the training saying, “Our main goal is to help farmers understand market analysis, learn data collection and analysis techniques, and strengthen their capacity to identify appropriate markets for their produce to make informed decisions,”

The main session of the training was conducted by Gunjan Rema, BARCIK’s Upazila Coordinator. He elaborated on various topics such as: what market analysis is and why it is necessary, how to collect and analyze market data, the structure and process of the market chain, the importance of collective efforts, and the challenges and solutions in marketing farm produce.

He said, “In today’s agricultural system, producing crops is not enough; it is crucial for farmers to understand how and where to market their products to get fair prices. Market analysis helps farmers make informed decisions and reduces losses while increasing profits.”

A key part of the training involved practical exercises on market communication and bargaining strategies, led by BARCIK’s field facilitator Munna Rongdi.

Participant farmer Md. Shahidul Islam said, “Earlier, we used to think only about production. Now I realize that understanding market analysis and mastering negotiation strategies are equally important.”

The training concluded with an evaluation session conducted by BARCIK’s Program Officer, Md. Alamgir, who gathered feedback from the participants. “This training not only imparts knowledge but also builds confidence and the foundation for collective action among farmers. We hope that in the future, farmers themselves will be able to analyze information and make strategic decisions,” he said.