OUR CORRESPONDENT
MANIKGANJ, Oct 25: Once struggling with repeated losses in traditional farming practices, young agri-entrepreneur Bikash Chandra Sarker became successful with seedling production in Manikganj's Singair after applying an agriculture technique learnt on YouTube (YT).
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Bikash learned about seedling production using plastic trays in polyshade houses. As an experiment, he set up a small shade beside his home and successfully produced 10,000 vegetable seedlings.
Currently, Bikash has three polyshade houses on a single bigha of land, where he regularly produces high-quality seedlings including of broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, chilies, and several other vegetables.
During a field visit, the FE found neatly arranged trays of bright green seedlings lined up inside the shades. Some workers were sowing seeds, others watering the trays, while a few were carefully packing seedlings in crates for delivery to nearby markets. Bikash himself was working alongside his team.
Currently, eight to 10 men and women are employed in his nursery, many of whom had never worked in agriculture before.
"I started farming with my father back in 2016," Bikash said. "In the beginning, I faced many losses but never gave up. I started small, and the results were amazing. Now, after all expenses, I earn at least Tk 600,000 profit each season."
Bikash plans to expand his nursery by doubling the number of shades and establish a training center for young farmers in the near future. He wants to create employment opportunities for others in his village.
Bikash's father, Ranjit Chandra Sarker, said, "At first, I wasn't confident about his idea. But, when I saw his success, I joined him. We also receive regular advice and support from the Department of Agricultural Extension. Through one of their projects, a new shade house was even built for us."
Local farmer Mozibur Rahman said, "Earlier, we had to bring seedlings from faraway places, and they were often weak. The seedlings from Bikash are strong and healthy and the yield is much better. Now, we no longer need to depend on outside suppliers."
Not only farmers in Singair, but also from Savar, Dohar, Keraniganj, and Nawabganj regularly buy seedlings from Bikash. Hafizur Rahman, a farmer from Saver, said, "I used to buy seedlings from Jashore, but many got damaged on the way. Now I collect from Bikash. His seedlings are of better quality and cost less."
Swapan Sarker, who works with Bikash, said, "I used to look for work outside the area. Now, I have a regular job here with a monthly salary, and my family is doing well."
Another worker, Mofizul, added, "We work throughout the year, but demand rises during the winter season. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and tomato seedlings sell the most."
Singair Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Habibul Bashar Chowdhury said polyshade houses (for seedling cultivation) reduce both costs and risks, while ensuring high-quality production. "The special plastic shades help control temperature and humidity, lowering the risk of diseases."
Adding that the technique also protects seedlings from excessive heat, rain, and pests, the agricultural officer said farmers from neighbouring districts are now benefiting from Bikash's healthy seedlings. "We provide him with continuous technical support. His work has truly opened a new chapter in seedling production in Singair."
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