Fertiliser from human excreta

A report from Rajshahi points to a potentially endless source of organic fertiliser. It is better and more useful for the soil than the usual chemical fertilisers. It uses human excreta which after proper composting, can be used as a fertiliser in the soil. This was tried out and practised in four unions under Bagmara upazilla of Rajshahi and Manda upazilla of Naogon from December 2009 to March 2012. It was promoted by Village Education Resource Centre (VERC), a development organisation.

The key issue of the process is preparing the compost properly which can be used as a locally made fertiliser and a safe and hygienic way for disposal of human excreta. This should be widely publicised and local farmers be trained in making the compost. I feel that authorities should publicise this matter on TV and radio and take up a regular programme for creating awareness among the farmers. They can be trained in line with their experiences in Rajshahi and Naogaon and VERC, which possibly pioneered this chemical-free fertiliser, be provided every support.

This rural organic fertiliser needs no plant, equipment and foreign exchange. This could well lead to a potentially important breakthrough in our agricultural sector in the days ahead.

Engr.S.A.Mansoor

Dhaka.