The role of Agri community radio in Bangladesh

Agri Community Radio

(Role, Tentative Programs, and Community Engagement)

Introduction:

There is so much diversity among the farmer’s community here in Bangladesh. If we can take a close look, we may find the paddy plantation is much different from one district to another district and they are vastly identical. For instance, if we look out the district of Bogura, all the farmers normally plant paddy in a perfect row-column wise plantation, which is a really good way for plantation. Going more to north Bengal a district like Gaibandha, you may find a scattered ways of paddy plantation. And not only that, from irrigation to harvesting there are so many diversities among the community of farmers.

To reach out or engage with such a distinctive community FM radio station is only the cost-effective, sustainable, and environment-friendly communication tool for all stakeholders. Over the year, even during the era of internet and data connectivity FM radio stations indeed plays a vital role in the community. Especially in terms of certain instant emergencies like flash floods or outbreaks.

The general role of a Community Radio:

Community radio can play a significant role at the grassroots level for rural development. Among the top issues are; poverty, agriculture, gender inequality, education, and social problems.

The exchange of information, networking of groups, the provision of skills and training and undoubtedly are key elements of developing a community. A radio facility for a community facilitates the promotion of awareness of community groups and facilities in the area as well as provides the venue for the empowerment of these groups to use radio to promote themselves and to speak directly to the community.

For its proximate location to its clients, a Community Radio serves a local community of its interest. It is accessible to the community in terms of ownership, decision-making, and program output. In the majority of cases, programming is produced by the community, with a focus on local concerns and issues. Unlike in the case of the mainstream media, rather than merely talking about the community, the people themselves make the programs. This strengthens local culture with the recognition that this is their station; it becomes a forum for a wide diversity of local opinions and views.

The key role of Agri Community Radio:

• To be a strong communication tool between stakeholders and framers.
• To be a local metrological information hub.
• Exchange of agricultural information and technology.
• Establishing an agricultural forum for information gathering about the agricultural economy and market updates for Agri products.
• Broadcasting the latest agricultural education and livelihood techniques for improvement.
• Monthly crop updates for the community.
• Engaging farmers to develop community.   
• Sharing awareness about agriculture and other social issues.
• Engage other communities like; students, and consumers of Agri products with the farmers.
• Sharing knowledge with the farmer about government and other stakeholder offerings, grants, aids, and other valuable information.  
• Ensure farmers’ right to information and community participation.

List of the programs we may run at Agriculture Community Radio:

1. News about agriculture meteorological information.
2. Agriculture market information.
3. Monthly crop plantation advice.
4. Recent development in Agriculture.
5. Agriculture and Technology.
6. Agriculture Quiz and Debate for students (School and College students)
7. Agriculture talk show with farmers. (Talk show between farmers, Agriculture Officers, and other stakeholders) – (Recorded or Live)
8. Successful Farmers interview. (Recorded or Live)
9. My Agriculturalist Suggestion (Local officer will provide some suggestions on recent crops or plantations)
10. Cultural Hours (Playing local songs, agricultural songs, and patriotic songs)