Vermicompost promotes eco-friendly farming

The production of vermicompost has started on a commercial scale, emerging as a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers across various regions of Char Fasson upazila in Bhola district. Local farmers have enthusiastically embraced this eco-friendly and economically profitable fertilizer, heralding a renewed era of prosperity for small-scale farmers and underprivileged families.

According to the upazila agriculture department, there has been an overwhelmingly positive response from farmers regarding the utilization of earthworm manure. Khairul Islam, a visionary entrepreneur residing in the Rodrer Hat area of Abubakarpur Union, Char Fasson Upazila, Bhola, shares his perspective on this revolutionary development: "Farmers have been resorting to various chemical fertilizers for land cultivation, but this practice has not only depleted soil fertility but also harmed the environment and disrupted crop yields. To address these pressing issues and enable farmers to cultivate more efficiently and cost-effectively, we initiated vermicompost production."

Mr. Khairul Islam acknowledges that while the initial production levels were modest, his vermicompost facility now yields approximately 50 tons of earthworm fertilizer each month, earning him a monthly income of Tk 35,000, with each unit of fertilizer selling for Tk 700. He aims to double his production to 100 tons per month due to the soaring demand for this chemical-free, organic fertilizer among local farmers.

He proudly adds, "My wife and children actively participate in this venture, eliminating the need for external labor costs. Even our children contribute while pursuing their education. It's a family effort."

Explaining the vermicompost production process, Mr. Khairul states, "We begin by collecting fresh dung, allowing it to decompose for approximately one month, and processing it within our dedicated earthworm housing. The decomposed dung serves as the sole nourishment for the earthworms. The excrement produced by the earthworms after digesting this food is what we call earthworm manure or organic fertilizer. In our facility, this fertilizer is generated in 30 separate houses, with each house yielding 10-15 kg of fertilizer every 4-5 days."

Thakur Krishna, deputy assistant agriculture officer of Char Fasson upazila, emphasizes the significance of vermicompost, stating, "One of the distinctive features of this earthworm fertilizer is its organic nature. It not only enhances soil fertility and plant growth but also mitigates soil salinity. Moreover, it substantially augments the soil's water retention capacity and is entirely free from harmful chemicals. By adopting this organic fertilizer, farmers can significantly reduce their production costs, making it imperative to incorporate vermicompost into soil management practices moving forward."

With scientific backing from the upazila agriculture office, which suggests that fertile soil should ideally contain at least 5 percent organic matter to enhance water retention and air circulation, the adoption of organic fertilizers like vermicompost is poised to revolutionize farming practices, rejuvenating soil health and fostering a thriving ecosystem for microorganisms.