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VOL. 8, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Empowering youth through smart horticulture for high-value fruit and crop cultivation: Six case studies and success stories from the RMTP-YPSA endline evaluation survey in Mirsarai and Sitakunda Upazilas, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Authors
Tapash Kumar Bhowmik, Minhajur Rahman, Md. Abul Kashem, Sujan Rudra, Rokeya Akter Rita, Ummay Sayeda Tabassum, Suranjona Tripura, Mohammad Mijanur Rahman, U Khai Wai Marma, Md Delowar Hossen
Abstract
The transition from traditional, subsistence based agronomy to commercialized, climate-smart horticulture represents a critical pathway for sustainable rural development and poverty alleviation across South Asia. This research represents a comprehensive synthesis of focusing on in-depth evaluation of six targeted case studies and success stories of farmers at Mirsarai and Sitakunda Upazila, Chattogram, Bangladesh for their socio-economic and agronomic impacts of adopting High-Value Fruits and Crops (HVFC) cultivation. Methodologically, the study employs a mixed methods framework encompassing a reference group (N=6,038), target intervention group (N=361) and a control group (N=72), utilizing participant observation, key informant interviews and structured surveys. The findings indicate a paradigm shift in rural microenterprises, characterized by the accelerated assimilation of climate-resilient practices, including drip and sprinkler irrigation, internet-of-things (IoT) based micro-climate monitoring and integrated pest management (IPM). The integration of Producers’ Marketing Groups (PMGs) effectively eliminated intermediary exploitation, facilitating direct export channels for safe vegetables at a 25% price premium. Ultimately, the RMTP-YPSA framework demonstrates that coupling technological innovation with localized mentorship through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) successfully disrupts cycles of rural vulnerability, offering a scalable blueprint for climate-smart horticultural commercialization and the empowerment of rural youth.
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Pages:291-296
How to cite this article:
Tapash Kumar Bhowmik, Minhajur Rahman, Md. Abul Kashem, Sujan Rudra, Rokeya Akter Rita, Ummay Sayeda Tabassum, Suranjona Tripura, Mohammad Mijanur Rahman, U Khai Wai Marma, Md Delowar Hossen "Empowering youth through smart horticulture for high-value fruit and crop cultivation: Six case studies and success stories from the RMTP-YPSA endline evaluation survey in Mirsarai and Sitakunda Upazilas, Chattogram, Bangladesh". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 8, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 291-296
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