Vermicompost becomes a lucrative business for Bhola farmers

Successful commercial production of vermicompost in Bhola’s Charfesson upazila is benefitting many farmers economically.

Cultivators of the district have started to commercially produce organic vermicompost fertiliser from earthworm droppings or manure. The Family Development Agency (FDA) introduced the idea as a part of their Sustainable Enterprise Project (SEP).

Vermicomposting is a natural process whereby earthworms convert waste material with rigid structures such as cow dung, and other organic waste into compost. The compost produced in this green process is traditionally and popularly used as a natural fertiliser for enhancing plant growth.

Through SEP, the FDA plans to increase the versatile use of safe dairy products in various unions in Charfesson upazila and to increase farmers’ access to markets.

SEP includes various grant schemes including low-interest loans, training, free services, and the introduction of modern technology for the beneficiaries to fill the capital shortfall.

FDA provides financial and technical assistance to about 19 entrepreneurs involved in the commercial production of this bio-fertiliser.

According to the project-related sources, this organic fertiliser can play a significant role in producing toxin-free crops and boosting production. Marginal farmers are showing an increased interest in using this fertiliser as organic crops are currently more in demand.

One of the entrepreneurs and a beneficiary of the project is retired army officer Ataur Rahman Babul of Charfesson upazila’s Nilkomol union.

He became interested in producing vermicompost after his retirement with the aim of making a contribution to the socio-economic development of the poor farmers in his area.

The entrepreneur received training in making bio-fertiliser in 2019 through the SAP project. At first, he started production on a small scale in two small earthen pots. His initial cost of production was Tk 4,000, including buying earthworms, cow dung, sacks, net, and sieves.

“I took a loan of Tk one lakh from FDA to start commercially producing vermicompost after getting success in the experimental phase. First, I constructed 16 5 feet by 5 feet sized fertiliser pits, along with a dung storage house and 200 cement rings,” he said.

In response to a question Ataur told The Business Post that he uses banana plants and straw are used as food for earthworms. The farm currently produces 35 maunds of fertiliser per month.

According to Ataur, the current market price of fertiliser is Tk 25 per kg and Tk 1,000 per maund. Earthworms, the main component in producing this fertiliser cost Tk 3,000 per kg.

The entrepreneur profits about Tk 15,000 per month excluding other expenses. The farm employs one permanent worker for dung collection, farm maintenance, and fertiliser preparation.

Charfesson Upazila Agricultural Officer Omar Faruk said vermicompost production became popular in the upazila through FDA’s project to boost agricultural production.

“This is not only benefitting the cultivators financially but also boosting the production of organic vegetables in the upazila. This is a positive initiative that will benefit the economy of the region and preserve public health,” he said.

He further said that the demand for this organic fertiliser is on the rise as it increases soil fertility.

“The agriculture department will support and assist the cultivators to increase the production of vermicompost. We expect a better harvest in the upazila this season with the help of using organic fertiliser,” he added.