Southwestern coastal Bangladesh suffers from extreme vulnerability to rising sea levels, tidal surges, and increasing soil and water salinity. Traditional single-crop paddy cultivation frequently fails under these harsh hydrological conditions.
RUSTIC's Program 6.3 introduces scientifically validated agro-ecological farming models, including dyke cropping, saline-tolerant seed varieties (BRRI dhan-47, BRRI dhan-67), organic bio-fertilizer production, and sustainable poly-culture shrimp farming that protects the mangrove eco-system.
Training coastal farmers in improved semi-intensive shrimp and white-fish polyculture, utilizing biological water treatments rather than harmful chemical antibiotics.
Promoting vertical trellis vegetable production on pond embankments, homestead organic gardening, and introduction of drought/salinity resistant grain varieties.
Providing seed capital and revolving loans to female-led farmer groups for purchasing high-yield inputs, feed, and post-harvest storage facilities.
