Entrepreneur Syed Zubayer Hasan promotes fair pricing for farmers through AgriShopto initiative
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Syed Zubayer Hassan, the founder of the agricultural enterprise Krishi Swapno, has called for a systemic shift to ensure farmers receive fair market value for their produce, arguing that the lack of profitability is driving younger generations away from the farming profession.
Speaking during a podcast appearance on Saturday, Hassan highlighted the stark economic reality facing the agricultural sector. He noted that if a farmer earns 30,000 taka annually—an amount that can be matched by a rickshaw puller in a single month—the profession loses its viability. Krishi Swapno aims to reverse this trend by ensuring farmers capture the maximum possible value for their crops, moving beyond mere fair pricing to sustainable profitability.
A Computer Science graduate from North South University, Hassan explained that his decision to venture into agriculture was rooted in his family background, which was deeply tied to the sector. Observing the hardships of farmers firsthand, he realized that producers often lack the power to set prices for their crops. Instead, market collectors and intermediaries dictate the terms, leaving farmers with minimal margins after months of labor.
Hassan identified 2019 as the pivotal year for his entrepreneurial journey. Recognizing the systemic challenges as market opportunities, he and his team initially attempted to leverage blockchain technology to ensure transparency and traceability in the agricultural supply chain. While the initial model faced hurdles due to the lack of technological readiness among stakeholders, Hassan described the failure as a vital learning experience. He emphasized that building technology-driven solutions requires a deep understanding of the end-user’s actual needs rather than just technical implementation.
Currently, Krishi Swapno operates a network of over 20,000 agricultural entrepreneurs. The organization provides guidance on pre-harvest practices, such as fertilizer use and agricultural counseling, as well as post-harvest support, including packaging, processing, logistics, and product classification. By adding value to the produce, Hassan noted that even a modest increase of 8 to 10 taka per unit can significantly improve a farmer’s livelihood.
Reflecting on his team of 19 members, Hassan stated that creating a tangible social impact remains more important to his firm than purely financial valuation. He noted that the initiative is also actively working to integrate small-scale farmers into climate-resilient frameworks.
Addressing the impact of climate change on the supply chain, Hassan proposed incorporating climate funds and carbon credits into agricultural policy. He argued that by incentivizing sustainable and commercial farming practices through both voluntary and mandatory carbon markets, farmers could unlock new, diversified sources of income, providing a critical buffer against environmental volatility and economic uncertainty.
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