Founded by Maj Gen (retd) Amjad Khan Chowdhury, PRAN – short for Programme for Rural Advancement Nationally – started with a simple vision: to improve farmers’ livelihoods and build sustainable rural enterprises.

After addressing irrigation challenges through Rangpur Foundry Limited (RFL) in 1981, Amjad Khan turned his focus to agriculture, launching PRAN to ensure farmers could market their produce profitably.

“Our journey began with a dream to empower farmers,” said Kamruzzaman Kamal, director (marketing) of PRAN-RFL Group, in an interview with the Daily Sun.

“Four decades later, that dream has grown into a global movement – proudly taking the taste of Bangladesh to the world.”

FROM CROPS TO PROCESSED FOODS

PRAN’s early years were full of challenges. Farmers often faced price crashes during harvests, while the lack of cold storage and processing facilities led to heavy losses.

To address this, PRAN shifted from direct farming to food processing and value addition, establishing its first factory in Narsingdi in 1993.

That decision marked a turning point, laying the foundation for Bangladesh’s modern agro-processing industry.

Today, PRAN manufactures more than 800 products across nine categories, including beverages, snacks, confectionery, culinary items, rice, and dairy.

“We focus on understanding consumer preferences and global taste trends,” Kamal explained.

“Each PRAN product – whether a juice, biscuit, or sauce – embodies our commitment to quality, authenticity, and the true taste of Bangladesh.”

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT AND EXPORT MILESTONES

PRAN made its first export in 1997, shipping canned pineapple to France. Since then, it has built one of Bangladesh’s strongest international networks, reaching consumers across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America.

Its products now feature on the shelves of leading global retailers such as Walmart, Carrefour, Tesco, Poundland, Reliance Fresh, and Giant.

For its outstanding export performance, PRAN has received the National Export Trophy for 21 consecutive years – a record unmatched by any other Bangladeshi company.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Behind PRAN’s success lies a deep commitment to farmers and sustainability. The company pioneered contract farming in Bangladesh, sourcing raw materials directly from over 100,000 farmers nationwide. It ensures international quality standards through ISO 9001 certification and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Environmental stewardship is also at the heart of PRAN’s operations. The Group recycles 40,000 tonnes of plastic annually, installs rooftop solar panels, implements water conservation systems, and supports biodiversity initiatives, including efforts to protect Saint Martin’s Island.

As PRAN continues its global expansion, its strategy focuses on diversification, innovation, and sustainable growth. The company is investing in advanced production technologies and green manufacturing while exploring new markets and product categories.

“PRAN’s story reflects Bangladesh’s entrepreneurial spirit,” Kamal said, adding, “From rural roots to global reach, we remain committed to creating value for farmers, delighting consumers, and strengthening Bangladesh’s image worldwide.”