DHAKA, April 29, 2026 (BSS) – The Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP) of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) has significantly increased incomes and improved the livelihoods of over 7.50 lakh families. 

The initiative has strengthened the rural economy by expanding agricultural value chains, enhancing food and nutrition security, and promoting microenterprise development. 

Speakers revealed this at the closing ceremony of the six-year RMTP, co-funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Danida, held at PKSF Bhaban-1 in the capital, said a press release today.

PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan presided over the programme while Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek attended as the chief guest and IFAD Country Director Dr Valentine Achancho was present as the special guest. 

PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader delivered the welcome address and PKSF Deputy General Manager and Project Coordinator of RMTP Md Habibur Rahman presented the project overview.

Addressing the function, Nazma Mobarek said RMTP has shown that meaningful progress in developing rural entrepreneurs and ensuring food security is possible through proper combination of planning, innovation and partnership. 

Building on the project’s success, she said, PKSF will soon launch another project titled “GREEN”, financed by IFAD.

Valentine Achancho said RMTP is not only a success but also proof of concept at scale. It has demonstrated that when finance, training and markets are combined through strong institutions, they become catalytic, delivering transformation that continues beyond the project period, he added.

He said this is not just the closing of a project, rather a demonstration of what is possible when vision, partnership and effective implementation come together at scale, adding that it marks a transition to a new level of ambition.

Zakir Ahmed Khan said RMTP is more than just a project, it stands as a successful model for sustainable transformation in the rural economy. 

“Its effective initiatives will continue to be carried forward across different contexts, from rural areas to urban settings. PKSF will work to take these successful approaches forward in the years ahead.”

Md Fazlul Kader said significant progress has been made through RMTP in expanding financial services for microentrepreneurs alongside introducing modern technologies, strengthening market linkages and supporting branding and certification. 

He said PKSF remains committed to ensuring sustainable development of microentrepreneurs by promoting decent working conditions, addressing risks and enhancing skills.

The project presentation showed that RMTP engaged over 7.50 lakh families through 90 agriculture-based value chain sub-projects. 

Among the participants, agricultural production increased by 66 percent, income rose by 49 percent and profits grew by 41 percent.

At the event, four entrepreneurs supported by RMTP shared their success stories, saying the project helped them become job creators from job seekers by increasing production, boosting income and expanding market access. 

Many of them have also received national-level recognition. Products such as cheese, beef pickles and various vegetables produced under the project are now being exported, adding a new dimension to the country’s export potential.