She sold her earrings, built a thriving compost business

Two years ago, Afroza Begum sold her earrings to start a small vermicompost venture. Today, the Faridpur woman earns around Tk1 lakh a month from the business and has become a source of inspiration for many others in her community.

Afroza, from Ainuddin Mollar Dangi village under Ishan Gopalpur Union, had to find Tk2,500 to enrol her son in Class 9, but she did not have the money. She had not a penny on her, so she sold a goat to get the sum she needed.

The experience prompted her to look for a way to earn a steady income. While browsing YouTube, she came across videos on vermicompost production. She also visited a farm run by Tania Begum in Shovarampur to learn more about the process.

Determined to start own venture, Afroza sold her earrings and used the money to begin producing organic fertiliser from earthworms.

The journey was not easy. She says some people in the area still look down on her work. "Many would avoid me or walk past covering their noses," she recalled. But she continued despite the social stigma.

Starting with just two sheds, Afroza gradually expanded the operation. She now has six larger production units behind her house.

Each unit contains a mixture of cow dung, vegetable waste and chopped banana plants. Around 25kg of earthworms are added before the beds are covered with jute sacks. Within a month, the materials turn into vermicompost.

The farm now produces five to six tonnes of organic fertiliser each month. The fertiliser sells for Tk15 per kg at retail and Tk12 per kg wholesale.

After expenses, Afroza says she earns about Tk1 lakh a month. Farmers from different areas regularly visit her farm to buy fertiliser.

Local farmer Shahin Sheikh said vermicompost improves soil fertility, boosts crop yields and costs less than chemical fertilisers. "We are getting better results at a lower cost," he said.

The farm has also created jobs. Ruhul Amin, a local worker, said he earns about Tk1,000 a day working at the facility. He added that several others in the area have also found employment there.

Afroza said growing demand has encouraged her to increase production further. She also trains interested people in vermicompost production, and many are preparing to start similar ventures.

Her husband, Chunnu Sheikh, who returned from overseas four months after she launched the business, now helps manage the farm. He believes government support could help them expand operations significantly.

Afroza hopes to establish a biogas plant in the future. She says such a facility would allow her to utilise farm waste more efficiently and supply cooking gas to local residents.

Faridpur Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Anwar Hossain said the agriculture department is supporting farmers interested in vermicompost production. He noted that excessive use of chemical fertilisers is reducing soil fertility, while organic fertilisers help improve soil health and reduce environmental impacts.

As awareness grows, the use of vermicompost is increasing across Faridpur, with more farmers turning to organic alternatives to improve productivity and cut costs.