Photo: Messenger
Jaikha village in Mongla is witnessing a resurgence in agriculture and livestock rearing, thanks to the efforts of the non-profit organization Friendship.
Upon visiting the village, the landscape reflects a diverse array of activities - from goat and sheep rearing to the cultivation of winter vegetables in saline lands. The locals are not only engaged in productive work but are also reaping the benefits of fair pricing due to increased job opportunities and successful yields.
Shirina Begum, a resident of Jaikha, shared her story of overcoming adversity. In a household of four, her husband's illness had left them struggling. However, a ray of hope entered their lives when Friendship provided them with a free goat. This single act of kindness multiplied as the goat gave birth to three more cubs. By selling goat's milk and two additional goats, Shirina's family managed to alleviate some of the financial burdens they faced.
Liton Mondal, a young villager, highlighted the transformative impact of modern agricultural practices. Not only did he receive vegetable seeds, but after undergoing training in contemporary farming methods and earthworm fertilizer production, Liton successfully sold vegetables worth Tk 24,000 this year. This newfound source of income not only supported his family but also allowed him to save money for future needs.
The residents of Jaikhan, grappling with the consequences of river erosion and salinity, expressed how these factors perpetuated their economic struggles. Each year, tidal salt, infiltrating through damaged embankments, wreaked havoc on agricultural crops, pushing farming-dependent families into dire crises.
Md. Yunus Ali, Deputy Assistant Animal Resource Officer of Mongla Upazila, shed light on Friendship's impactful initiatives. The organization not only provides free animals and winter vegetables to impoverished families but also imparts essential training. Consequently, these interventions have rapidly created additional income streams for these families. Furthermore, the encouragement of cultivating high-quality vegetable seeds in saline soil is fostering self-reliance among the coastal communities.
Messenger/Fardin
