Empowering farmers through vermicomposting production in Bangladesh

In the small rural village of Khamergragram in Kishoreganj, Nilphamari Shahina Begum, once a full-time homemaker, has transformed her life through sustainable farming practices. With only 13 decimals of land, she runs a thriving household-based farm, contributing to her family's livelihood and environmental health. Her journey started two years ago when she became involved in the CGIAR Initiative on Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems (SI-MFS), a global project funded by the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR), operating in six countries, including Bangladesh.

Shahina received training in various sustainable mixed farming practices, including homestead farming, compost and vermicompost production, crop intensification and diversification, improved livestock management, and fodder production. Her first step into this vermicomposting was with just two plastic crates and around 1 kg of earthworm.

Vermicomposting: A path to environmental sustainability by reducing the use of chemical fertilizer

Vermicomposting has been at the core of Shahina's transformation. By turning cow dung into nutrient-rich compost, vermicomposting improves soil health without the use of chemical fertilizers. Healthy soils, in turn, support biodiversity and increase the resilience of food systems. Vermicompost is a type of organic fertilizer made from cow dung by earthworms. It helps to protect the environment, improve land fertility, increase the resistance power of crops against diseases, and boost crop production. She has replaced her regular fertilizer which costs 30-50 taka/kg with vermicompost produced in her backyard. Each crate (basket)produces 10-12 kg of vermicompost within a 45-50-day cycle. With dedication and hard work, she has expanded her production from one (initially starting) to nine crates (baskets for vermicompost production through earthworm) at present and has even shared three crates with her relatives, encouraging them to adopt this environmentally friendly practice.

By reducing her dependence on chemical fertilizers, Shahina has improved the sustainability of her farming practices. This approach is critical for long-term environmental health, as it helps preserve the integrity of local ecosystems and contributes to maintaining biodiversity, both of which are essential for a resilient food system. Vermicomposting has not only reduced her dependency on chemical fertilizers-requiring 30% less than before-but has also opened new doors for her financially.

"I used to rely on chemical fertilizers, but now I need 30% less," says Shahina. "Vermicompost has made my soil healthier and more productive, and it's much better for the environment."

Financial independence through sustainable mixed farming

Shahina's adoption of vermicomposting has not only benefited the environment but also saved her money. Starting with just one crate (basket) for vermicompost production through cow dung with earthworm, she now produces nine crates vermicompost replacing chemical fertilizers purchase. Now she is using vermicompost in year-round vegetable-fruit gardening under the homestead area to produce safe vegetables & fruit production.

Shahina has significantly improved her income by engaging in sustainable year-round vegetable and fruit gardening through mixed farming and vermicompost production. After meeting her family's demand for vegetables and fruits, she saves approximately 2,000 to 3,000 taka each month by selling surplus vermicompost, vegetables, and fruits. Additionally, she uses the vermicompost in her home garden and field crops, further enhancing her agricultural productivity. Her income allows her to cover essential expenses and invest in her farming business. In addition to vermicomposting, she has two cows, and 3 goats while she did not even have one livestock before-another source of income and food security for her family.

"Earlier, I had to take out loans just to visit the doctor. Now, I can pay for it myself, and I even buy new clothes and meat for my family," she explains. "We can eat meat three or four times a month now, which we couldn't afford before."

In addition to vermicomposting, Shahina has integrated a year-round vegetable and fruit garden. She aims to expand her farming, buy more livestock, and continue receiving training to further improve her skills and farm productivity.

Shahina's story is a testament to how training, coupled with sustainable farming practices, can significantly improve the lives of smallholder farmers. She is a shining example of the positive impact that the SI-MFS project is a positive impact on rural communities, empowering women like her to become successful entrepreneurs and contribute to the environmental and economic health of their families and communities.

Through her hard work, Shahina has not only secured a better future for herself and her family but has also become a role model for others in her community, inspiring them to embrace sustainable farming practices and become financially independent.

Featured image:Shahina Begum applying the vermicomposting to her vegrable garden in the homestead backyard. Photo by Bushra Humaira/IRRI

Authors: Bushra Humaira Sadaf, Abdul Haque, Abdullah Miajy, Sharif Ahmed and Humnath Bhandari

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