Supported by a multi-donor climate recovery project, the Dry Fish initiative in Charmontas has empowered 878 women to form four cooperatives focused on fish production for both human consumption and agricultural feed. Since December 2024, these women have organized into 64 groups, pooling resources to create a sustainable business in a challenging coastal environment prone to natural disasters.
Shilpa Rani, a 30-year-old mother and local resident, exemplifies the transformation brought by the initiative. Having initially faced financial instability, she benefited from the Logic Project, which provided training and grants, allowing her to venture into agriculture despite early setbacks from weather-related challenges.
The cooperative’s model involves purchasing raw fish directly from fishermen and processing it into dried fish for consumers and feed for agriculture. Members are compensated daily for their work, reinforcing their financial independence and motivation. This dual-stream business approach has proven sustainable and profitable, with profits reinvested and shared among members.
The initiative has gained popularity for its high-quality, chemical-free products and recently showcased its success at the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, indicating potential for future expansion and improved logistics. Women involved express a deep sense of empowerment and pride, particularly in being able to contribute to their families and children’s education.
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