Vermicompost brings self-reliance to Kurigram youth

Mamunur Rashid, a youth from Nageshwari Upazila in Kurigram, has become self-reliant by commercially producing vermicompost – a type of organic fertiliser made using earthworms to break down kitchen and garden waste.

After graduating from a private educational institution, the young civil engineer joined a construction farm. But Mamun quit his job after losing his father around six years ago and returned to his village Hajir Mour to look after his family.

Describing his journey towards self-reliance, Mamun said, “My village did not have many job opportunities. So, I took a three-month training course from the Upazila Youth Development Office on different agro-based empowerment sectors in 2016, after being encouraged by the agriculture officers of a local Department of Agricultural Extension office.

“I learned the methods to make vermicompost and established my farm in the backyards of my home in 2020 after being advised and supported by Adamya Krishi – a business organisation working on expanding organic farming. Initially with only Tk 4,000, I installed six ring slabs and started producing the organic fertiliser.”

Mamun has named his farm “Creations Business,” which has become the largest organic fertiliser producing farm in the district, and has become a well-known marketplace in Facebook.

He expanded his farm from an abandoned room to a tin-shed structure on ten decimals of land. Mamun said he produces six tonnes of vermicompost per month and 72 tonnes a year. Mamun currently makes Tk 35,000 per month.

He said the fertilisers produced in his farm have high demand in the district, and sell for Tk 20 to Tk 25 retail and Tk 10 to Tk 15 wholesale per kg.

During a visit to his farm, The Business Post found Mamun’s wife, sister, and mother busy with producing and packaging the organic fertiliser.

His mother Morjina Begum said the family was living a miserable life after Mamun’s father passed away. However, through Mamun’s endeavors, they are now solvent.

Not only Mamun, but his elder sister Sharmin Akhter is also an entrepreneur. After being inspired by her brother, she took a lease for a plot of land and established a nursery.

Farmer Lal Miah, one of Mamun’s many customers, said the organic fertiliser from Mamun’s firm is much better than the higher-priced chemical ones, and it boosts his crops greatly.

Mamun has not only become empowered but he is also spreading his knowledge among local youths, and they too are gradually becoming interested to become entrepreneurs, said local businessman Rashidul Islam.

One such entrepreneur, Apel Mahmud said he has established a vermicompost farm at his home after witnessing Mamun’s success.

Commenting on Mamun’s achievements, Upazila Youth Development Officer Monjur Alam and Agricultural Officer Shahriar Hossain said they regularly inspect Mamun’s farm and assist him.

“Not only does vermicompost create empowerment, but the fertiliser is so much better for use in the croplands,” said Shahriar.

Deputy Director of DAE said Mamun’s contribution in creating employment and spreading awareness regarding the usage of organic fertiliser is praiseworthy.

Along with Mamun, 6,945 more businessmen are producing vermicompost on 7,772 ring slabs.