FAO to provide $447,000 for pesticide safety and women’s businesses

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 19, 2026

Bangladesh has secured $447,000 in funding from the FAO to improve pesticide safety and support environmentally sustainable businesses led by rural women through two separate projects. These initiatives will enhance pesticide regulation and residue testing while empowering women with training and resources to develop green agricultural enterprises, promoting safer farming and inclusive economic growth.

Bangladesh is set to receive $447,000 in funding from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to enhance pesticide safety and support environmentally sustainable businesses led by rural women. The Economic Relations Division (ERD) of Bangladesh and the FAO formalized the collaboration by signing two separate agreements in Dhaka on October 18.

The total grant is divided between two projects aimed at addressing key agricultural and environmental challenges. A $200,000 four-year initiative, named “Strengthening Capacities for Lifecycle Management of Pesticides,” seeks to improve pesticide regulations, enforcement mechanisms, and residue testing capabilities. This project is part of the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme and is funded by China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

With reports indicating that over 30 percent of vegetables in Bangladesh contain pesticide residues exceeding safety thresholds, the project aims to enhance farmers' awareness and promote safer pesticide practices. Efforts will include the introduction of digital registration systems and upgraded laboratory infrastructure to monitor pesticide residues more effectively.

The second project, “Green Roots Women’s Farm Labs,” will receive $247,000 over a period of two years to empower rural women in Bangladesh to establish green micro-enterprises. This initiative, which is being piloted concurrently in Bangladesh and Uganda, builds on the FAO’s Farmer Field School methodology. It will provide training, facilitate access to appropriate technologies, and support connections to finance and markets, helping women develop environmentally friendly agricultural businesses.

The agreements were signed by ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky and FAO Representative for Bangladesh Jiaoqun Shi, marking a step forward in promoting sustainable agriculture and inclusive economic opportunities within rural communities. Both initiatives reflect ongoing international cooperation aimed at improving agricultural practices and enhancing livelihoods across developing countries.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.