Mercantile Bank Funds BAU Dryer Research Project

Mercantile Bank PLC has supported an agricultural research initiative at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) aimed at reducing post-harvest losses in crops and fish. The project, titled “Development of a Hybrid Dryer System to Reduce Crop and Fish Post-Harvest Losses,” concluded on Saturday with a formal dissemination workshop, according to a media release.

The initiative was financed through a contribution of Tk 1.60 crore from the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund. The funding enabled the university to design, develop, and deploy hybrid drying technology intended to improve preservation practices for farmers and fishers.

The closing event was presided over by Professor Dr Md Abdul Mojid of the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Technology. The Vice-Chancellor of BAU, Professor Dr A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, attended as chief patron. Among the special guests were Md Zakir Hossain, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer of Mercantile Bank PLC; Dr Tapas Chandra Paul, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of the bank; and Professor Dr Md Monjurul Alam, Technical Specialist of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bangladesh.

Participants in the session included agricultural entrepreneurs, project beneficiaries, researchers, and students. The workshop presented the research findings and showcased the performance of hybrid dryers developed under the programme.

A total of 19 hybrid dryers were produced as part of the project. These units are designed to address post-harvest losses by improving drying efficiency, which is a critical factor in preserving both agricultural produce and fish in Bangladesh’s climatic conditions.

The distribution of the dryers has already begun. Ten units have been provided free of cost to users in selected districts, including Cox’s Bazar, Patuakhali, Satkhira, Tangail, Khagrachari, and Rangamati. A further six units are currently in the process of being distributed, while the remaining three units are being retained by the university for continued research and development.

The initiative reflects a collaboration between financial support and academic research, facilitating the application of technology in practical agricultural settings. By addressing post-harvest inefficiencies, the project is intended to contribute to improved resource utilisation and support efforts related to food preservation and supply stability.

Distribution of Hybrid Dryers