From the fertile soils of Chapainawabganj in north-western Bangladesh, farmer Akbar Hossain has been nurturing fish for decades. Over the years, he has embraced modern science, transforming both himself and his farm. Today, Akbar practises In-Pond Raceway System (IPRS) aquaculture – a model where precision meets tradition.
For Akbar, feed is not just food; it is the very foundation of growth, quality, and value. “The growth of fish is much better compared to ponds – the colour, the size, the strength of the fish. You won’t find this in pond-raised fish. And the taste is even better than river fish,” he explained. With demand soaring across Europe and Asia, his ambition now is clear: to make Bangladesh’s fish export-ready.
This determination mirrors a larger story. Bangladesh today ranks among the world’s top five aquaculture-producing nations. And the transformation is not confined to fish alone. Poultry, dairy, and livestock are all part of an expanding protein economy. Farmers, however, are no longer chasing numbers alone – they are increasingly committed to ensuring safe, high-quality production.
“Be it eggs, meat, milk, or fish – about 30–40 per cent soybean is required to produce them. Protein has to be ensured naturally. And feed accounts for almost 75 per cent of production costs. That is why minimising feed cost is our main objective,” said Moshiur Rahman, Managing Director of Paragon Group.
Adding to this, Khabibur Kanchan Rahman, Country Team Lead of USSEC Bangladesh, noted: “In Bangladesh, we talk about both aqua feed and poultry feed. Our growth has been remarkable. If we can ensure quality soybeans, we will be able to produce quality feed. Then our production will be outstanding.”
Iowa Soybean Association sponsors IPRS in Bangladesh
For the very first time in Bangladesh, the Iowa Soybean Association has stepped forward to sponsor and support the introduction of In-Pond Raceway System (IPRS) technology—an innovation expected to play a transformative role in the country’s aquaculture sector.
The pioneering initiative reflects a strong commitment to enhancing sustainable fish farming practices, improving yields, and introducing advanced production systems to local farmers. Industry experts believe this development will not only increase aquaculture efficiency but also contribute to strengthening the country’s food security.
The Iowa Soybean Association has long been an active partner in global agricultural collaboration. In Bangladesh, it has been working closely with US Soy and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to provide knowledge, information, and technical expertise. Their continued support highlights the growing importance of international partnerships in transferring technology and fostering innovation.
Stakeholders see this as a milestone in Bangladesh’s aquaculture journey, opening up new opportunities for farmers to adopt modern systems that balance productivity with sustainability.
A global bridge
The story of soy does not end in Bangladesh. Thousands of miles away, in Sully, Iowa, young farmer Riley Schnell tends to endless rows of soybeans – nature’s powerhouse of protein. A fifth-generation farmer, Riley chose to carry forward his family’s legacy with ambition and sustainability at heart.
“I’m a farmer here in central Iowa. I’ve been farming for about five years full-time. I started with my grandpa. We are a no-till operation, doin
g continuous cover crops every year between our corn and soy,” he said. “It makes me very happy that we have strong relations globally to consume the beans that we grow here in central Iowa.”
For Riley, farming is more than a livelihood – it is an opportunity. “Approach each day as nothing more than an opportunity,” he added. “It’s not something you’re entitled to; it’s a gift, and don’t take it for granted. I’m very proud.” His wife, Cory Schnell, echoed his pride: “He’s very passionate about this. I think he’s making the future of agriculture bright for America and for our future generations, including our kids.”
Soy Connext 2025: Washington, D.C.
The global bridge of soy came into sharp focus in Washington, D.C., on 20–21 August 2025, at Soy Connext 2025, held at the historic Washington Hilton. The event brought together farmers, researchers, policy-makers, and industry leaders for two days of seminars, negotiations, and partnerships shaping the future of protein.
“There’s magic that happens when you have those parties meet face-to-face,” said Kevin Roepke, Regional Director, South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa, USSEC. “It’s not just a contract – it’s personal relationships. People can go to bed every night knowing that U.S. soy is sustainable, nutritious, and produced with care.”
Soy already holds a central place in Bangladesh’s food chain, dominating the edible oil market while demand for soy-based animal feed grows rapidly. “From a soybean, you get both meal and oil. In Bangladesh, you have a large crushing industry. I’m very optimistic about the growth we continue to see in Bangladesh,” noted Jim Sutter, CEO of USSEC.
But trade was not the only item on the agenda. Climate change and risk management featured prominently, with Jana Fritz, Chair of the American Soybean Association, emphasising the role of crop diversification and sustainability in ensuring long-term profitability.
Looking ahead
The conference closed with an announcement that the next Soy Connext will be held in Chicago, signalling yet another step towards stronger connections, innovation, and resilience.
Behind these global exchanges lies a simple truth: farmers in Bangladesh and the United States are bound by shared challenges, shared aspirations, and the shared power of soy. From the ponds of Chapainawabganj to the soybean fields of Iowa, the journey is one of resilience and renewal.
As preparations begin for the farmers of today and tomorrow, one vision shines through – a healthier planet, a more prosperous future, and one world nourished by hope.
Watch the video to learn more about how soy is connecting the whole world:
