Md. Azizar Rahman, a vermicompost producer, at his farm at Kaliganjpara of Pairaband union under Mithapukur upzila in Rangpur — FE Photo RANGPUR, Nov 13: A growing number of entrepreneurs across different upazilas in the district have changed their fortune through commercial production of vermicompost, an organic fertiliser made using earthworms.
Many are expressing their interests in the production of vermicompost thanks to the significant profit margins.
Expressing satisfaction, Md. Azizar Rahman, a successful entrepreneur living in village Kaliganjpara in Mithapukur upazila, told the FE that he started producing vermicompost 12 years ago after receiving training from the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE).
Initially, he began the production by installing two concrete rings, where he put cow dung and allowed the earthworms to feed on it. Presently, he has 100 concrete rings in which he produces the organic fertiliser.
He sells the compost for Tk 10 a kg while his monthly income is around Tk 50,000. In addition, he earns Tk 10,000 to Tk 15,000 by selling earthworms every month, he said.
"I need to use a nominal amount of chemical fertiliser on my two acres of crop land as I mostly use this organic and eco-friendly fertiliser for growing crops, especially potatoes and other vegetables. Such types of fertiliser boost the fertility of land," he said.
Inspired by his success, a good number of farmers in his neighbourhood as well as his surrounding areas are feeling encouraged to produce vermicompost and use the eco-friendly fertiliser on their land.
Aklima Begum, an entrepreneur from Nabdiganj area in Pirgachha upazila, said she began her venture with 500 earthworms. As worms can hatch out within 4 to 5 weeks, she got a good output. She has eight worm beds set up inside their cowshed where manure is composted. She earns Tk 20,000 to Tk 22,000 per month. Like Aklima, many women in the upazila have engaged in the business and are earning their livelihood.
A number of vermicompost producers told the FE that the business of composing manure should be promoted as it helps crops grow rapidly and has no detrimental effects on soil as well as environment.
Talking to the FE, Md. Reaz Uddin, deputy director of the DAE, Rangpur said the use of vermicompost can improve soil fertility and boost crop yields notably. Vermicompost is in great demand during the Rabi season, he said.
He further said that they are motivating farmers to use such organic fertiliser and reduce the use of chemical fertiliser. Agricultural officials are also providing necessary assistance to those who are involved in the production of vermicompost, he said.
He said indiscriminate use of chemical fertiliser is jeopardising the ecology. "In contrast, vermicompost is an eco-friendly organic fertiliser. It is also cheaper than urea and other fertiliser. It doesn't cause any harm to soil, humans, animals and environment and thus it can boost crop production keeping the environment safe," added Mr Uddin.
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