Organic fertiliser becoming popular among farmers

BARGUNA, Jan 8 (BSS): Vermi-compost, an organic fertiliser developed by government and local non-governmental organisations is gradually becoming popular among the farmers for its low cost and capacity for increasing crop and vegetable production.
The application of this homemade fertiliser also enhances the taste and flavour of the vegetables, users said.
 Vermi-compost is not only environment- friendly but also a deterrent to pest attack on croplands, according to farmers. '
It is more effective for all crops and different varieties of vegetables than chemical fertiliser', said Badrul Alam, an officer of the District Agricultural Extension Department.
It can be made from household waste, cow-dung, straw and shrub with the help of earthworm. These materials are to be mixed and kept in a dark and damp place at least for seven days to rot.
The heap will have to be dried up in the sun after earthworms eat the rotten wastes and release those.
About 500 families in the district are producing this organic fertiliser on commercial basis for their livelihood.
Local people are using this cost-effective fertiliser in their crop and vegetable land.
One kilogram of vermi-compost costs Taka five only. 'We are getting better result by using this compost', said Milon Bhuiyan, owner of a nursery at Burir char village.