Biography of Mizanur Rahaman: Founder and CEO of Pumpkin Plus Agro Innovation
Mizanur Rahaman: A Journey of Dedication to Agricultural Development in Bangladesh
Early Education and Academic Background
Mizanur Rahaman, a passionate advocate for agricultural
development, started his academic journey at Bangladesh Agricultural University
(BAU). He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Agriculture from
BAU, graduating with distinction. His Master's degree, completed in 2007, was
awarded with a 1st Class grade, highlighting his academic excellence. This
strong foundation set the stage for his future contributions to agriculture and
rural development.
Embarking on a Career in Agriculture and Rural Development
Mizanur's career took off with his commitment to improving
agricultural practices and the livelihood of rural communities. His work
revolves around enhancing farming techniques, promoting sustainable practices,
and increasing farmers' income. He began working with practical initiatives
that would later guide his professional journey, focused on the critical
intersection of agriculture and socio-economic upliftment.
Joining Practical Action:
The Beginning of Fieldwork In 2010, Mizanur joined Practical
Action Bangladesh as a Market Development Officer. His role was to develop
integrated agricultural and market development plans, which would foster
collaboration between farmers and market stakeholders. His work aimed at
ensuring that smallholder farmers could access markets for their products, thus
enhancing their income and empowering them within the agricultural value chain.
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Growing with Practical Action:
From Officer to Specialist Mizanur’s dedication quickly saw
him advance within Practical Action. In 2014, he became a Technical and
Business Promotion Officer. His focus expanded to not only providing technical
support for agricultural initiatives but also overseeing training programs for
farmers on sandbar cropping and business development. He facilitated the
formation of farmer groups and associations, empowering them with the tools to
succeed independently and collaboratively.
Business Development Specialist:
Shaping Enterprises By 2019, Mizanur’s leadership role at
Practical Action had grown further as he became a Business Development
Specialist. In this capacity, he worked directly with small and medium
enterprises, guiding them in effectively utilizing business equipment and
knowledge. His efforts were crucial in expanding market access for
beneficiaries, ensuring their products reached wider markets, and ultimately
improving their profitability.
Leading the Charge at Pumpkin Plus Agro Innovation
In 2021, Mizanur took on a significant leadership role as
Director of Field Operations at Pumpkin Plus Agro Innovation Limited. Here, he
spearheaded agricultural innovation projects, focusing on riverbed farming
systems and crop diversification. His leadership extended to planning,
organizing, and monitoring project activities, ensuring their smooth execution.
He was also responsible for supporting community surveys, identifying
producers, and establishing effective links with local markets and government stakeholders.
Regional Coordinator at Winrock International
In 2024, Mizanur's extensive experience led him to his
current role as Regional Coordinator at Winrock International. This position
places him in charge of coordinating various agricultural and climate-smart
projects within Rangpur Division. He works closely with local government
officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure the efficient implementation
of programs that focus on climate-resilient farming and financial literacy for
farmers.
Bridging Government, NGOs, and Communities
A significant aspect of Mizanur’s role at Winrock is his
ability to bridge the gap between government departments, non-governmental
organizations, and community groups. His work involves providing technical
support and regular updates to ensure the smooth functioning of projects at the
grassroots level. He coordinates workshops, trainings, and technical assistance
for farmers, all aimed at improving their farming practices and market access.
Impacting Agricultural Policies and Practices
Throughout his career, Mizanur has influenced agricultural
policies and practices at both the local and national levels. His active
participation in discussions with government and non-government stakeholders
has helped bring attention to key issues such as sandbar cropping, floating
gardens, and high-value crop cultivation. His technical guidance ensures that
farmers receive the support they need to implement these innovative practices.
A Lifelong Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture
Mizanur Rahaman’s journey in the agricultural field reflects
a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of farmers in Bangladesh. Whether
working on the ground with community farmers or shaping policy discussions at
higher levels, Mizanur continues to advocate for sustainable agricultural
practices. His story is one of unwavering dedication to creating a better
future for rural communities through agriculture.
A timeline of Mizanur Rahaman’s academic and career
milestones:
2007 – Completed Master's degree in Agriculture from
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) with 1st Class distinction.
2010 – Joined Practical Action Bangladesh as Market
Development Officer.
2014 – Promoted to Technical and Business Promotion Officer
at Practical Action.
2019 – Became Business Development Specialist at Practical
Action.
2021 – Appointed Director of Field Operations at Pumpkin
Plus Agro Innovation Limited.
2024 – Appointed Regional Coordinator at Winrock
International, leading agricultural and climate-smart projects.
