Staff Repoter :: Standard Chartered and Channel i has jointly announced the launch of Standard Chartered-Channel i Agrow Award 2021, at a press conference held in Dhaka recently to recognize the changemakers of the agriculture sector of the country.

Launched by Standard Chartered, this is the seventh iteration of the award, and the third time it is being held in partnership with Channel i. Agrow Award recognizes the best-performing individuals and institutions for their significant contributions to the agriculture sector of the country. Like last year, exemplary contributions will be recognized in 10 categories: Farmer of the Year – Male; Farmer of the Year – Female; Heroes for Change; Best Journalist (Agriculture); Jury Special; Best Agricultural Organization in Research, Innovation, and Technology; Best Agricultural Organization in Support & Execution; Best Agricultural Exporter, Best Community as Disaster Fighter and Lifetime Achievement Award. This year, the Jury Special category will have a particular focus on indigenous farming, both at the individual or organizational levels.

Speaking at the press conference, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank said, “While Bangladesh’s journey of progress has seen the development of its manufacturing and service sectors, the agriculture sector, which provides sustenance to a nation of over 160 million and employs around 40% of the national workforce directly or indirectly, is more vital than ever in the face of the pandemic. Through Agrow Award, I am happy to have partnered with Channel i in honoring the changemakers of this sector for their bravery, innovation, and sheer hard work, all of which contributes immensely to our nation’s continued progress and prosperity.”

Faridur Reza Sagar, Managing Director, Channel i, said, “The contribution of our agriculture sector and its heroes towards the progress of our nation is not easy to measure. We think, along with the government, individuals and organizations have an important role to play in taking this sector forward. Standard Chartered is playing a major role in this. We have been able to highlight the contributions of many individuals and organizations within this sector over the last few years. If through this award we can add to their impetus to move forward, we will consider that to be our success.”

Shykh Seraj, Director and Head of News, Channel I, said, “The Coronavirus situation serves as a reminder about how vital the agriculture sector is. Today many sectors of our economy can bravely move forward thanks to a large extent the resilience of our agriculture sector. The government has played a vital role in this story of success, as have the individuals and organizations working in this sector. Honoring the best individuals and organizations within the sector each year is our effort to showcase these success stories. I thank Standard Chartered for partnering us on this wonderful initiative.”

The Standard Chartered Agrow Awards recognizes the leaders and innovators that are taking our agriculture industry forward, to promote the disseminating of technology and best practices at all levels of the industry. This year will mark the fifth edition of the Agrow Award. To date, there have been 44 award winners.

Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, Standard Chartered Bangladesh; Shahidul Alam Sachchu, General Manager (Drama & Telefilm), Channel i and Agrow Award project director along with others were also present.

BDPressRelease/ 17 June  2021/MM