RANGPUR, Aug 1: Use of organic fertiliser vermicompost is gaining popularity among the farmers at different upazilas in Rangpur district.
A good number of farmers in different areas under the district are now cultivating vegetables using eco-friendly organic fertiliser vermicompost instead of chemical fertilisers.
According to sources vermicomposting is a process of composting worm castings (manures) providing fertilisers rich in nutrient which is an alternative to harmful chemical fertilisers.
Different varieties of toxic-free vegetable including pumpkin, eggplant, parble, bitter gourd and spiny gourd are being grown in many areas of region abundantly without using chemical fertilisers.
Farmers said they get satisfactory production of chemical free vegetables and also earn a good profit.
Such vegetables have huge demands among the people, they further said.
Hasanur, a vegetable grower of Boiriganj village in Mithapukur upazila said, he uses vermicompost fertiliser for cultivating vegetables. Many other farmers his area and adjacent areas have shown their interest in using such organic fertiliser.
Bablu Mia of Projapara village in Pirganj upazila told The Financial Express that they do not need to use any chemical fertiliser to produce vegetables. Instead they use vermicompost fertiliser. Such vegetables are healthy, tasty and more nutritious, he added.
Talking to The Financial Express a number of farmers under the upazila said farmers have to spend a large amount of money on chemical fertilisers on their vegetable fields. On the other hand they have to spend a nominal cost for using natural method such as organic fertilisers, they added.
According to DAE sources farmers at many areas of the district have begun cultivating vegetables without chemicals as officials of department are encouraging them, and witnessing their success many farmers of the areas and adjacent areas are also showing eagerness to cultivate poison free vegetables, DAE sources said.
Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Rangpur Zulfikar Haider said said use of vermicomposts can improve soil fertility and also enhance crop yields significantly. They are motivating the farmers to use such organic fertiliser instead of chemical fertilisers.
They are also providing necessary assistances to them who are involved in the production and use of earthworms and vermicompost, he further said.
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