Letters in Economic Research Updates
Enhancing the Income of Entrepreneurs through the Production and Marketing of Mustard Safe Edible Oil Project, Boalmari, Faridpur, Bangladesh
Abstract
Barkat Ullah and Mizanur Rahman
The end-line evaluation of the “Enhancing the Income of Entrepreneurs through the Production and Marketing of Mus- tard Safe Edible Oil Project” demonstrates significant improvements in productivity, income, and value chain develop- ment among farmers and entrepreneurs. Using a mixed-method approach with 300 households, FGDs, and KIIs, the study found that adoption of improved seed varieties and agronomic practices increased mustard yield by 20–35%. Farmers’ average income rose by 27%, while profit margins improved substantially through value addition and better market linkages. The introduction of cold-press technology ensured production of safe, high-quality oil, enhancing market access and consumer trust. Women’s participation exceeded 40%, contributing to economic empowerment and enterprise development. Market integration improved through branding, packaging, and reduced dependence on intermediaries. Financial inclusion and capacity-building strengthened business sustainability. The project also promoted eco-friendly practices, including bee-friendly cultivation and by-product utilization. Control group comparisons confirmed that these gains were directly linked to project interventions. Overall, the project successfully established a sustainable, inclusive, and scalable mustard oil value chain model in rural Bangladesh.