Interview with Dr. Md. Nur Zahid General Manager, Giant Agro Processing Limited
Giant Agro empowers f armers and modernizes Bangladesh’s a griculture through a dvanced technology a nd global partnerships.
FRESH & FROZEN : Can you share the founding story of giant agro and what inspired its creation?
Nur Zahid : Giant Agro was inspired by the vision of reducing post-harvest losses, empowering farmers and modernizing agriculture in Bangladesh, funded initially by the Giant Group and accelerated through international partnerships and strategic collaborations to bring advanced agricultural technologies to the country.
FNF : What are the core values that drives your companies culture and operations?
NZ : Giant Agro’s culture is driven by innovation, quality, farmer empowerment, sustainability, integrity and collaboration, ensuring that its operations not only deliver superior agricultural products but also contribute positively to communities and the environment.
FNF : Were there any key challenges in the early stages and how did you overcome them?
NZ : Key challenges in the early stage were high post-harvest losses, limited access to quality Seeds, resistance to technology adoption, market access and supply chain challenges, infrastructure and investment limitations, regulatory and logistical hurdles. GAPL overcame early-stage challenges through strategic investment, technology adoption, farmer education, digital market integration and international collaborations, turning obstacles into opportunities that shaped the company’s modern, sustainable and farmer-focused operations.
FNF : Can you list all products Giant Agro currently offers?
NZ : Giant Agro produces virus-free seed potatoes through multi generational (G1–G4) systems ensuring high quality. It offers climate-resilient high-yielding vegetable crop seeds under the Bangla Seeds & GD Series, hybrid rice seed; namely Moharaj & Ratna, including new hybrid maize varieties; namely GD King and Provita-380. The company provides cold storage and post-harvest services, such as a 400-tonne onion facility with automated sorting and packing. Additionally, it operates biotech and pathology labs for tissue culture and ELISA-based seed health testing to maintain superior product quality.
FNF : How does Giant Agro approach product development and innovation?
NZ : Giant Agro drives innovation through genetically stress-based R&D, using biotech labs and field trials to develop high-quality, locally adapted seeds. It partners with global leaders like DCM Shriram, Danespo’s and Oshiye for technology transfer and joint research. A farmer-centric approach ensures real-world testing and feedback-driven improvement. Strict quality control and data monitoring guide continuous product refinement. The company focuses on sustainability and climate resilience, blending science with farmer needs.
FNF : What technologies are integrated into Giant Agro’s production or service process?
NZ : Giant Agro uses advanced technologies across its production chain. It produces virus-free seed potatoes through tissue culture and ELISA-based disease testing, supported by a multi-generational seed system (G1–G4) with strict quality control. The company operates modern cold storage facilities with temperature, humidity and CO₂ control and applies CIPC sprout inhibitors for preservation. Automated sorting, grading and processing systems—especially for potatoes and onions—use Dutch and All-round technologies to reduce post harvest losses. Additional innovations include seed testing labs, R&D farms for varietal trials and the ‘Farmers Best’ online platform that connects farmers with urban markets, integrating production with supply chain efficiency.
FNF : What markets does your company currently serve, both domestically and internationally?
NZ : Giant Agro primarily serves the domestic market in Bangladesh, operating from Dhaka, Bangladesh and nearby regions to supply seed potatoes, hybrid vegetable seeds, and fresh produce. Through its “Farmers Best” platform, the company connects local farmers with urban consumers nationwide (Farm to plate). While its focus remains domestic, its seed products—especially potato varieties have potential for export to South Asian countries with similar agro climatic conditions.
FNF : How do you stay ahead of industry trends and consumer demands?
NZ : Giant Agro stays ahead of industry trends through strong R&D, global partnerships and technology adoption. The company’s research farms test and refine high performing, disease-resistant seed varieties, while collaborations with Dutch, Japanese, Chinese and Indian agri-tech firms bring advanced processing and storage technologies. By using biotechnology, ELISA testing and digital tools like the Farmers Best platform, GAPL tracks consumer preferences and ensures quality. Its farmer-centric programmes and focus on sustainable, climate-smart practices support long-term growth. Participation in agricultural expos and research networks keeps the company informed of global innovations and market shifts.
FNF : What is your competitive edge compared to other companies in the sector?
NZ : Advanced Technology & Quality Control: Virus-free tissue culture, automated sorting/grading, and climate-controlled storage ensure top-quality seeds and produce. Research-Driven Innovation: In-house R&D farms and international collaborations deliver high-yield, climate-resilient and locally-adapted seed varieties. Farmer-Centric Operations: Contract farming, training programs and the “Farmers Best” platform strengthen adoption, supply chain efficiency and market connectivity. Sustainability & Vertical Integration: Eco-friendly practices, post-harvest preservation and full control across production-to-market value chain reduce losses and enhance reliability.
FNF : What has been the most significant challenge Giant Agro has faced in its journey?
NZ : The most significant challenge for Giant Agro has been scaling high-quality, virus-free seed production and modern post-harvest management in a resource constrained environment, while ensuring farmer adoption, technological reliability and market integration.
FNF : Could you describe Giant Agro’s business model and approach to growth?
NZ : Giant Agro – Business Model & Growth Approach Integrated Value Chain: From seed development (tissue culture, R&D) → multi-generation seed production → processing & cold storage → distribution to farmers and urban markets. Farmer-Centric Operations: Contract farming, training, and technical support ensure high-quality output and adoption of modern practices. Technology & Innovation: Virus-free seed production, automated sorting, grading, and climate-controlled storage enhance efficiency and reduce losses. Sustainable Growth: Eco-friendly storage, climate-smart varieties, and resource-efficient operations ensure resilience and long-term market competitiveness.
FNF : What are Giant Agro’s expansion plans for the near future?
NZ : Giant Agro is expanding through several strategic initiatives. It has launched Bangladesh’s first onion processing and storage center in Bhaluka to reduce post-harvest losses, with plans for future scale-up. The company is growing its ‘Farmers Best’ online platform to link urban consumers with rural farmers. Through collaboration with DCM Shriram (India), GAPL aims to integrate farm solutions with advanced and sustainable practices. It is also investing in climate-smart technologies and resilient seed varieties to promote sustainable agriculture. These efforts strengthen food security and improve farmer livelihoods in Bangladesh.
FNF : How has technology transformed your sector in India?
NZ: Technology has revolutionized India’s agriculture sector by boosting efficiency, productivity and sustainability. Precision farming uses IoT sensors, drones, and mobile apps for data-driven crop and input management. Biotechnology has introduced virus-free, high-yield and climate-resilient seed varieties. Mechanization with automated tractors and precision irrigation has reduced labor needs. Advanced post-harvest and cold chain technologies improve storage, processing and quality. Digital supply chains and e-marketplaces connect farmers directly with buyers, while climate-smart, energy-efficient practices enhance resilience and environmental sustainability.
FNF : Are there any recent technological initiatives your company has implemented?
NZ : Giant Agro has recently implemented key technological initiatives to modernize Bangladesh’s agriculture. It opened the first onion cold storage and processing facility in Bhaluka (400 tonne capacity) using Dutch climate controlled technology to reduce post harvest losses. The company launched the ‘Farmers Best’ online platform to connect urban consumers with fresh produce while improving market access for small farmers. Additionally, collaborations with Dutch partners under the Onion Impact Cluster project introduce advanced storage, handling and seed technologies, along with farmer training, strengthening the supply chain and food security.
FNF : How do you see technology shaping the future of your industry in India?
NZ : Technology is expected to transform India’s agriculture through precision farming, AI-driven crop planning, and real-time monitoring using IoT and drones. Biotechnology and gene editing will provide high yield, pest-resistant, and climate resilient seeds. Mechanization and robotics will improve planting, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. Advanced cold storage, processing units, and digital marketplaces will reduce losses, add value, and enhance market access. Overall, sustainability and climate smart practices will be strengthened through efficient resource use, renewable energy, and carbon footprint monitoring.
FNF : What is your vision for the growth of your company and the industry overall?
NZ : Giant Agro aims to expand its product portfolio with high-value crops, hybrid seeds and ready-to cook or packaged products for domestic and export markets. The company seeks technological leadership through advanced tissue culture, precision agriculture, automated grading and cold storage. It plans market expansion via platforms like Farmers Best and regional exports, while emphasizing sustainability and climate-resilient practices. For the agriculture industry, GAPL envisions modernization, farmer empowerment, stronger and transparent supply chains, adoption of eco-friendly practices and collaboration with international partners to bring global innovations to Bangladesh.
FNF : What global opportunities does Giant Agro see in the next 5 10 years?
NZ : Giant Agro sees strong global prospects in exporting high-quality potato, vegetable and hybrid seeds to South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Value-added agro products like processed or ready-to cook vegetables target premium markets in Europe, North America and the Middle East. The company can leverage its expertise in tissue culture, cold storage and precision farming for international consultancy and technology transfer. Growing demand for sustainable, climate resilient agriculture and potential strategic partnerships with global agro-tech firms offer further expansion. Digital platforms like ‘Farmers Best’ could also evolve into cross-border e-commerce models.
FNF : What is Giant Agro’s outlook on industry trends and future market developments?
NZ : Giant Agro is aligning with major industry trends to expand domestically and internationally. The Bangladesh seed industry is growing rapidly, and GAPL is focusing on niche crops to expand its portfolio. The company is adopting modern agricultural technologies—like robotics, AI, and aerial imaging—to boost efficiency and product quality. It has invested in cold chain infrastructure, including a 400-tonne onion storage facility in Bhaluka, to reduce post harvest losses. GAPL emphasizes sustainable, climate-resilient farming and leverages strategic partnerships (e.g., with DCM Shriram, India) to strengthen market presence and regional expansion.
FNF : How does your company contribute to sustainability and environmental protection?
NZ : Giant Agro integrates sustainability and environmental protection across its operations. It develops climate-resilient, virus-free seeds to improve crop health and reduce chemical use. Operations emphasize resource efficiency, using energy- and water-saving technologies and modern cold storage to minimize post-harvest losses. Eco-friendly post harvest practices and optimized packaging reduce spoilage and environmental impact. The company trains farmers in sustainable agriculture, crop rotation, and integrated pest management. Through international partnerships and platforms like “Farmers Best”, GAPL promotes climate-smart practices and reduces supply chain waste while connecting farmers directly with urban consumers.