From seeds to sustainable food systems

Mahbub Anam
Managing Director
Lal Teer

The Daily Star (TDS): How do Lal Teer's seed innovations contribute to better nutrition outcomes, and what evidence links these seeds to dietary improvements or food diversity at the household level?

Mahbub Anam (MA): Lal Teer's seed innovations help farmers grow diverse vegetables and cereals year-round, even in challenging climates. This ensures households have access to iron-rich greens, protein-packed pulses, and vitamin-rich vegetables. With high-yield, disease-resistant seeds, "hungry seasons" are reduced and diets improve. Evidence shows farmers using Lal Teer seeds harvest more crop varieties, boosting food diversity. Home gardening programs further increase vegetable consumption. By training and supporting women farmers, Lal Teer strengthens nutrition security for rural families across Bangladesh.

TDS: What regenerative agricultural practices are you promoting, and how are these being incentivised through market channels or partnerships?

MA: At Lal Teer, we prioritise climate-resilient seed varieties that need fewer chemical inputs, while promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) through farmer training in soil-friendly techniques. Our Contract Growers' Mechanism guarantees harvest purchase, rewarding sustainable methods. We also build digital market linkages to connect farmers with buyers. Partnering with research institutions and NGOs helps scale adoption, reduce risks, and ensure both farmer income and the nation's long-term food security.

TDS: How do you engage farmers and consumers to create demand for more nutritious, sustainably grown crops?

MA: Lal Teer Seed Limited drives demand for nutritious, sustainable crops through farmer engagement and consumer awareness. The company offers technical guidance, training, and climate-smart practices, while establishing demo plots and Farmer Field Days to showcase resilient, high-yielding varieties. Our Geodata-Based Information Services (GEOBIS) app offers real-time guidance on crop management, weather, and market conditions. Lal Teer also builds market linkages, connecting farmers, buyers, and processors to strengthen value chains. By distributing stress-tolerant seeds and hosting community events, it promotes the cultivation of nutritious, adaptive crops.

TDS: How do certification, traceability, and climate-smart labelling affect consumer trust and decision-making?

MA: In a period where authenticity and sustainability define market choices, Lal Teer Seed Limited leverages international certifications and climate-smart labelling to build profound consumer trust. As Bangladesh's first ISTA and ISO 9001:2015 certified seed company, every packet guarantees quality, traceability, and resilience. These standards ensure high germination, genetic purity, and climate adaptability. Climate-smart labels highlight heat-tolerant, disease-resistant, and water-efficient varieties, while GEOBIS-backed traceability verifies origins and offers cultivation advice.

TDS: What role does iDE play in facilitating farmer education and expanding access to improved agri inputs in underserved regions?

MA: In the remote and impoverished regions of Bangladesh, where quality agricultural inputs are scarce, iDE can bridge the gap between Lal Teer's high-quality seeds and smallholder farmers through its grassroots networks. By offering hands-on training, iDE can promote climate-resilient practices and showcase the benefits of improved varieties. Integrating Lal Teer's certified seeds into local agri-dealers and demo plots ensures reliable access. With digital platforms providing timely advice and market updates, this collaboration would not only boost productivity and income but also strengthen the entire agricultural ecosystem, making sustainable farming a reality for those who need it most.

iDE, a global nonprofit organisation in 12 countries since 1984, drives poverty reduction through market-driven solutions in Bangladesh, scaling agriculture, WASH, climate resilience, clean energy, and women's empowerment.

This content has been published under 'Catalyzing Markets' - a media campaign jointly initiated by iDE and The Daily Star. This interview is conducted by Md. Zahidur Rabbi.