The pandemic has disrupted the normal transport and proper marketing of vegetables, seasonal fruits, and other agricultural products. Currently, farming is the most widespread source of income for the majority of Bangladesh’s population. In this context, the 'Food for Nation' platform has been launched to enable marginal farmers to get fair prices as well as consumers to get the required food grains and agricultural products as per their demand easily, in a short time and at the right price. It is Bangladesh's first open agricultural platform supported by the government. All types of buyers and sellers involved here can buy all agricultural products including vegetables or collect information by contacting the mobile number given in the profile. The buyer and seller will pay the price by purchasing the product and will transact by selecting the medium at their convenience. This marketplace is a completely free platform. It can be used to buy, sell, or advertise for free. The “Food for Nation” platform houses more than 1791 farmers onboarded with more than 2000 products across the country. It has reached 4500 wholesalers and 55 e-commerce companies and 6 logistics companies regularly find agri-suppliers with the assistance of the GIS map.

https://foodfornation.gov.bd

• Bangladesh

• Youth
• Remote and rural communities
• farmers, agri-merchants, warehouse keepers, mokams, large super shops, small retailers to consumers

The platform acts as a bridge between buyers and sellers, wherein there is no middleman, and the buyers contact the seller directly to negotiate. The products are listed as advertisements, detailing the prices and descriptions. This model can be applied for any other service such as clothing, crafts, and intangible services as well.

Although the platform is open and free to all (registration does not require money), the model is uplifted by both the buyers and sellers. As long as the demand for products exists and sellers are willing to buy, the platform will work. Furthermore, it can be used as a nationwide product data repository, a rare accumulation of farmers and their products online. It can also be used similarly to other products.

Due to the global pandemic, several international food supply chains have been disrupted. This project highlights the role of the government to ensure food security for all in Bangladesh. As such, this project promotes the following WSIS values in the community: C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development; C2. Information and communication infrastructure; C3. Access to information and knowledge; C6. Enabling environment; C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-agriculture.