Eco-friendly agricultural entrepreneurship project changing fate of marginalized communities in Kalapara
Gofran Biswas Palash, Kalapara (Patuakhali)
“Dharitree” is being implemented in Kalapara, Patuakhali, with the aim of ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities at risk due to the adverse effects of climate change.
The project is being implemented from January 2023 to December 2025, funded by the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and implemented by Caritas Bangladesh. It is being implemented in Rajihar Union of Agailjhara Upazila of Barisal and Mahipur Union of Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali.
The project aims to create sustainable income streams for small and poor farmers through eco-friendly agricultural practices and to develop women as entrepreneurs. So far, 694 people have been directly benefited under the project, of which 70 percent are women. Another 2,467 people have been indirectly benefited, who are getting the benefits of using biofertilizers, environmentally friendly agriculture and market connectivity. So far, 280 farmers are earning a living by producing and selling vermicompost.
The project aims to create sustainable income streams for small and poor farmers through eco-friendly agricultural practices and to develop women as entrepreneurs. So far, 694 people have been directly benefited under the project, of which 70 percent are women. Another 2,467 people have been indirectly benefited, who are getting the benefits of using biofertilizers, environmentally friendly agriculture and market connectivity. So far, 280 farmers are earning a living by producing and selling vermicompost.
After meeting their needs, the remaining vermicompost is being marketed through 14 sales centers.Through the project's initiative called 'Vermi Group', farmers are divided into 10 groups and training, meetings and experience exchange programs are underway. So far, 93 farmers have been given 5,000 taka as assistance in producing vermicompost. 135 farmers have received a grant of 3,500 taka each for crop and vegetable cultivation and 4 women entrepreneurs have been given 23,525 taka each for setting up women's corners.
Mst. Parveen Begum of Puran Mahipur village of the upazila, said, “My family of nine had no income. I started producing vermicompost after getting training from Caritas Mahipur office. Later, they gave me a support of 3,500 taka. Now I earn 25-30 thousand taka every month by cultivating vegetables.”
Maya Rani of Manoharpur village said, “I produce vermicompost using three fours and five rings. I earn 10-12 thousand taka every month.”
Hena Begum of Bipinpur village said, “Although my financial condition is not good, I started a shop with the support of 23,525 taka from Caritas. Now I can run my family well.”
Dharitree and Ekrab Project Junior Program Officer Mr. George Bairagi, said, "If we can keep the Dharitree project running and create environmentally friendly entrepreneurs, it is possible to make people economically self-reliant."
Upazila Agriculture Officer, Agriculturist Md. Arafat Hossain said, "With the initiative of Caritas, marginal farmers of Mahipur are avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides and producing safe vegetables using vermicompost, which is very positive. Such activities should be spread nationwide."
Mst. Parveen Begum of Puran Mahipur village of the upazila, said, “My family of nine had no income. I started producing vermicompost after getting training from Caritas Mahipur office. Later, they gave me a support of 3,500 taka. Now I earn 25-30 thousand taka every month by cultivating vegetables.”
Maya Rani of Manoharpur village said, “I produce vermicompost using three fours and five rings. I earn 10-12 thousand taka every month.”
Hena Begum of Bipinpur village said, “Although my financial condition is not good, I started a shop with the support of 23,525 taka from Caritas. Now I can run my family well.”
Dharitree and Ekrab Project Junior Program Officer Mr. George Bairagi, said, "If we can keep the Dharitree project running and create environmentally friendly entrepreneurs, it is possible to make people economically self-reliant."
Upazila Agriculture Officer, Agriculturist Md. Arafat Hossain said, "With the initiative of Caritas, marginal farmers of Mahipur are avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides and producing safe vegetables using vermicompost, which is very positive. Such activities should be spread nationwide."
