Beginning my career at KPMG provided me with a platform to pursue my academic interests in performance management, business process improvement and human capital development in a professional setting. Working within specialized teams across various industries on varied assignments I was able to gain valuable industry insights and cultivate skill sets that would eventually enable me to start my own management consultancy company serving a small group of contractors in the dredging industry.

From relatively humble beginnings, myself and a dynamic team of project management professionals assembled under my stewardship have grown from strength to strength and now oversee operational management of one of the largest privately owned dredging companies in South Asia, playing an active role in the development of Bangladesh by implementing large scale marine and riverine infrastructure development projects.

I am an inquisitive soul, a budding entrepreneur, a firm believer of conscientious leadership and in the indomitable nature of the human spirit.

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Beginning my career at KPMG provided me with a platform to pursue my academic interests in performance management, business process improvement and human capital development in a professional setting. Working within specialized teams across various industries on varied assignments I was able to gain valuable industry insights and cultivate skill sets that would eventually enable me to start my own management consultancy company serving a small group of contractors in the dredging industry.

From relatively humble beginnings, myself and a dynamic team of project management professionals assembled under my stewardship have grown from strength to strength and now oversee operational management of one of the largest privately owned dredging companies in South Asia, playing an active role in the development of Bangladesh by implementing large scale marine and riverine infrastructure development projects.

I am an inquisitive soul, a budding entrepreneur, a firm believer of conscientious leadership and in the indomitable nature of the human spirit.

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I am a Fellow Chartered Accountant with 9+ years of experience in audit and accounting, having worked with banks, manufacturing companies, power companies, SMEs, and NGOs in Bangladesh. I have extensive experience in planning, monitoring, and finalizing statutory audits and group reporting, reviewing financial statements to ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, identifying weaknesses in internal controls, and advising clients on appropriate accounting treatment. I have trained in IAS/IFRS, risk management, KPMG Audit Methodology, global independence, data privacy, and more.

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Blogs

Climate Change

Date: 24/05/2023

Addressing Challenges in Agriculture with Effective Solutions

WRITTEN BY
Faheem Ahmed

In today's rapidly evolving world, the agriculture sector plays a vital role in sustaining communities and providing essential resources. However, the challenges faced by farmers are numerous and often hinder their ability to thrive. From limited access to financial services and low-quality inputs to inefficient supply chains and the prevalence of informal financing, these obstacles impede the sustainable development of the agriculture sector.

That is why we are excited to introduce Agrigate Network Limited, a farmer-centric and technology-driven service platform that aims to revolutionize the agricultural landscape. Our mission is to empower farmers and promote sustainable development by providing value-added services at every stage of the production and post-production process.

Addressing Key Challenges in Agriculture:

Limited Access to Bank Loans:
We recognize that 17% of farmers struggle to access formal financial support. At Agrigate, we bridge this gap by connecting farmers with financial institutions, making it easier for them to access bank loans, insurance, and other vital financial services. Empowering farmers to invest in their farms and enhance productivity is at the core of our mission.

Low-Quality Inputs: To combat the prevalent use of low-quality inputs due to cost constraints, we ensure the distribution of cost-effective, high-quality agricultural and livestock inputs directly to farmers. By streamlining the supply chain and reducing intermediaries, we enable farmers to access reliable inputs, leading to higher yields and enhanced profitability.

Losses Due to Intermediaries: Intermediaries in the supply chain often exploit gaps, causing significant losses for farmers. Agrigate serves as a direct link between farmers and institutional buyers, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries. By connecting farmers with buyers who offer fair prices, we ensure that farmers receive better selling prices for their produce, eliminating exploitative practices and increasing their income.Overdependence on Informal Financing: Approximately 70% of agricultural financing comes from informal sources, leading to financially burdensome debt cycles and limited access to formal financial services. Agrigate establishes connections with financial institutions, insurance providers, and other stakeholders to facilitate access to formal financial services for farmers. Promoting financial inclusion is a key step towards reducing reliance on informal financing and creating sustainable financial solutions.

Prevalence of Fake Inputs: With 40% of inputs in the markets being fake, farmers unknowingly purchase substandard products that result in reduced productivity and financial losses. Agrigate ensures the distribution of genuine and quality agricultural inputs through our platform. By implementing strict quality control measures and partnering with trusted suppliers, we protect farmers from purchasing fake inputs, enhancing their productivity and income.

Introducing Smart Interventions:

At Agrigate, we leverage data-driven decision-making and cutting-edge tools to support farmers in maximizing their yields and minimizing their environmental impact. Our smart interventions include:

1. IoT-based solutions: We are using the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide farmers with innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall productivity.

2. QR-Enabled Farmers' Digital Card: We recently launched QR-Enabled Digital Farmers Card revolutionizes agri-product traceability and transactional recordkeeping. Farmers, retailers, and small business owners can benefit from easy access to financial services, track their transactions with Agrigate, and avail themselves of a wide range of benefits.

3. Agrigate Mobile App: Our user-friendly mobile app enables farmers to easily avail services from market stakeholders. From accessing advisory services to connecting with buyers and suppliers, the app streamlines the entire agricultural ecosystem, making it more accessible and efficient.

We believe that our comprehensive approach, backed by technology and data-driven insights, will contribute to the sustainable development of the agriculture sector and the well-being of all stakeholders involved. Together, we can build a resilient and prosperous agricultural ecosystem.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best regards,
Agrigate Network Limited.