Young farmer sets example
A young farmer in Lalmonirhat has single handedly brought in a change to the farming methods in his village and neighbouring areas through sheer hard work and dedication.
Atul Chandra Roy, 32, of Durakuti Dakhkhinpara village of Mogholhat union in Lalmonirhat sadar upazila started growing vegetables without chemical fertilisers five years ago. Following the success of his venture, other farmers started to follow him.
At present, most of the 100 odd farmers in Durakuti Dakhkhinpara and also others from neighbouring villages grow vegetables using only vermicompost fertiliser.
They now have a steady income.
Farmers here grow different vegetables like pumpkin, tomato, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, egg plant, radish, carrot, red spinach, spinach and others.
“We are really happy. Not only are we eating healthier but the profit we are making is also consistent,” Atul Chandra Roy told The Daily Star.
“We also use different leaves to kill pests so our produce is totally free from chemicals,” he said, adding that they could sell their vegetables at a higher price in the market as well.
Madan Chandra Roy, 35, another farmer said he was inspired by Atul's venture.
“We don't have to chase sales anymore as our produce has a steady demand,” he said.
Farmer Azizul Islam, 50, said about 250 bighas of land in the neighbouring villages were being used for cultivating chemical-free vegetables.
Lakhmi Kanta Barmon, 48, pointed out that although their harvest was smaller now but the price they get for it makes up the difference.
“And the production cost for using vermicompost fertiliser is far less too. The produce is also healthier for us,” he said.
Nazrul Islam, 45, a vegetable trader at Durakuti Bazar in Lalmonirhat said they buy chemical-free vegetables at higher prices from growers and are able to sell them at even higher prices.
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