GAU students' CARBODIT earns int’l recognition

GAZIPUR, Oct 13: A student-led initiative from Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) has earned international recognition for an innovative model that seeks to turn homestead trees into potential sources of income for smallholder farmers while contributing to climate change mitigation.

CARBODIT emerged runner-up in the final round of an international rural development innovation challenge involving 13 Asia-Pacific countries. The competition received 187 innovative proposals, with Iran emerging as champion.

The team presented its model at the Asia-Pacific Conference on Innovations in Rural Development and CIRDAP Knowledge Circuit Dialogue on Sri Lanka, held in Colombo from 7 to 9 October.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya attended the programme as chief guest, while Dr P Chandra Shekara, Director General of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), chaired the event. Md Saif Uddin Ahmed, Director General of the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), represented the Bangladesh delegation.

Congratulating the students, GAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr GKM Mustafizur Rahman said CARBODIT's international success is a matter of pride for the university and an inspiration for its students. He expressed optimism that the innovation would unlock economic opportunities for smallholder farmers while contributing to climate protection and sustainable rural development.

CARBODIT aims to connect smallholder farmers to the carbon market by exploring the carbon sequestration potential of homestead trees and agro-forestry systems.

Its proposed model includes village-based Village Carbon Groups to collect tree data, with trained young monitors measuring trees and gathering information. Scientific assessment and verification under recognised standards would help develop viable carbon credit projects.

The initiative could create new income opportunities for farmers while promoting tree conservation and employment for rural youths. The team also aims to ensure transparent benefit-sharing and stronger community participation in climate action.

CARBODIT is led by Saifullah Manowar, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder. Other members are Fabian Taskin, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder, Aditi Ghosh, Chief Financial Officer and Arfa Sayara Riza, responsible for technology development.

Over the past year, the initiative has expanded its field activities to Gazipur, Khulna, Bagerhat and Natore. Currently, 21 students are involved in its activities.

Earlier, CARBODIT became Bangladesh's regional champion in the CIRDAP-REEDS International Rural Development Innovation Challenge-2026, securing its place in the international final.