The Farmers’ Hub (FH) model under the IWET Project serves as a business-driven, farmer-centered platform providing modern agricultural services, inputs, and market linkages. A key component of this model is agri-mechanization, which enables farmers in the Barind Tract of Bangladesh to adopt efficient, cost-effective, and climate-smart practices. 

🌟 Mechanization Services Through Farmers’ Hubs 

1. Combined Harvester 

• Reduces harvesting time by up to 70% compared to manual methods.
• Minimizes post-harvest losses through timely and clean grain collection. 
• Reduces dependence on seasonal labor and lowers wage costs. 
• Enhances efficiency in large-scale paddy production. 

2. Rice Seedling Transplanter 

• Ensures uniform spacing and planting depth, improving crop establishment. 
• Saves 25–30% of seedlings and up to 40% labor time. 
• Enables timely transplanting, essential for higher yields. 
• Contribute to improve water-use efficiency and overall crop management. 

3. Other Mechanized Services 

• Power tillers for land preparation. 
• Small-scale irrigation and water-lifting equipment. 
• Threshers and post-harvest processing machinery. 

⚠️ Challenges Addressed by the Farmers’ Hub Model 

• High investment costs mitigated by service-based access through Hubs. 
• Limited maintenance and spare parts addressed through trained local mechanics. 
• Operator shortages resolved by capacity building and operator training programs. 
• Small, fragmented landholdings managed through shared service provision models. 
• Farmer hesitancy overcome via demonstrations, training, and advisory services.  

🔑 Role of Farmers’ Hubs in Mechanization 

• Act as one-stop service centers offering mechanization, inputs, and advisory services. 
• Operate under a commission-based system, providing revenue opportunities for local entrepreneurs. 
• Ensure transparent service delivery and quality control. 
• Facilitate market linkages and strengthen value chains for smallholder farmers. 
• Promote climate-smart and sustainable agriculture practices. 

🌿 Impact 

• Enhanced efficiency and productivity in rice cultivation. 
• Reduced labor costs and post-harvest losses. 
• Improved farmer incomes and access to modern technologies. 
• Empowered local youth and entrepreneurs through service provision. 
• Strengthened resilience and sustainability of farming systems in the Barind Tract. 

By integrating agri-mechanization with the Farmers’ Hub model, the IWET Project is ensuring that farmers grow more, save more, and earn more, while creating sustainable business opportunities and fostering climate-resilient agriculture in the region.