To transform salinity-affected coastal areas of Bangladesh into thriving, resilient ecosystems through community-driven, nature-based solutions.

 

The Problem

• Over 30% of land (1.056 million hectares) in coastal Bangladesh is salinity-affected.

• Climate hazards and rising soil salinity threaten agriculture.

• Traditional rice farming is no longer viable in many regions like Satkhira, due to saltwater intrusion and socioeconomic vulnerability.

 

The Solution: Project Harvesting Resilience

A nature-based innovation that uses:

• Lona Pata (Sesuvium edmonstonei) – A halophyte plant with high sodium adsorption and desalination capacity.

• River sand, gypsum powder, and coco peat – Organic materials that lower soil salinity.

• Floating beds (prototype: 2x2 ft; full scale: 20x5 ft) for cultivating crops in saline zones.

 

Impact Goals

• Environmental: Reduce salinity levels and restore productivity.

• Social: Empower vulnerable communities, especially women.

• Economic: Support sustainable agriculture and local income generation.

 

Community Engagement

• 70% local acceptance rate through FGDs and surveys.

• Training for 100 farmers and 10 vulnerable women on bed creation and material sourcing.

• Health awareness & capacity building for long-term maintenance.

 

Business Model

• Eco-Product Pricing:

  • BDT 200/bag of 50 kg

  • BDT 25 per 100 plant units

• Revenue Projection: $6,000/year

• Gross Margin: 34%

• Break-even: With BDT 10,00,000 investment

• CBR (Cost-Benefit Ratio): 0.12 in first cycle (due to setup costs)

 

Team

Led by researchers and academics from Khulna University, including:

• Prof. Dr. Sanaul Islam (PI)

• Prof. Dr. Abdullah Harun Chowdhury

• Md. Rezwanul Islam Shuvo (Founder)

• Team of environmental scientists, project coordinators, and operations leads.

 

Achievements & Partners

• Training & partnership with SSCAA

• Support from environmental science experts and past community projects

 

Next Steps

• Scale up floating agriculture prototypes

• Conduct more training and awareness campaigns

• Expand impact through strategic partnerships and funding

 

Scientific Validation

Backed by studies on phyto-desalination and organic soil treatment using:

• Halophytes (like Sesuvium)

• Activated carbon from coconut shell

• Gypsum and organic amendments