Fifth edition of Agrow Award launched

Standard Chartered Bangladesh yesterday announced the launch of a fifth edition of Standard Chartered - Channel I Agrow Award 2019 to recognise the best performers in the agriculture sector. 

The bank and Channel i—the joint organisers of the event—made the announcement at a press conference at InterContinental Dhaka. 

This year, awards will be presented in eight different categories: farmer of the year – male; farmer of the year – female; heroes for change; jury special; best agricultural organisation in research, innovation and technology; best agricultural organisation in support and execution; best agricultural exporter and lifetime achievement award.

The agriculture sector is still the key driver of the country’s growth having 14 percent contribution in the gross domestic product and over 40 percent in employment, said Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh.

Agrow Award aims to support the real heroes who are driving the sector through their innovation, courage and dedicated efforts, he said. 

“I am delighted to have Channel i as a partner with us in this initiative. And I am sure that together we can take this initiative to new heights.”

“Agriculture is at the root of Bangladesh and Channel i moves onward with the motto of Hridoye Bangladesh, a television programme, said Faridur Reza Sagar, managing director of Channel i. Farming is not just a job, it’s a way of life, he said.

“I firmly believe Standard Chartered - Channel i Agrow Award 2019 will inspire the farming sector and farmers towards achieving further development,” he opined.

Shykh Seraj, director and head of news at Channel i, said, “The indigenous talent of the farmers and their innovative endeavours are mostly taking the farming sector ahead in Bangladesh.”

Private sector research and innovations have made the road easier for the farmers and they should be recognised, he added.

He said it should not only be framed by just an award. 

“The recognition should be spread around the country so that it inspires all individuals and organisations across the country. So that the next innovation turns into something even more special.”

Standard Chartered has awarded 26 winners, including 8 individuals and 16 organisations and institutions, since 2014.