By Shimul Bishwas from Singair, Manikganj
What began as a small effort to meet her kitchen needs has turned into a model of success for 45-year-old housewife Vhabna Roy from Uttar Jamsa village. Today, she stands as a shining example of organic farming.
Her turning point came in 2023 when she joined BARCIK’s programs. She abandoned market seeds and chemical fertilizers, shifting instead to her own preserved seeds, vermicompost, and organic pest repellents. The results are clear! She has better yields with lower costs, and even healthier food.
Vhabna now cultivates eight varieties of vegetables and field crops from her conserved seeds. Surplus vegetables are exchanged with neighbors, while income flows in from cows, goats, ducks, and chickens which bring her family an annual earning of over one hundred thousand taka.
She said, “In the past, I had to buy seeds and fertilizers. Now I produce them myself at home letting me to save money and protect health.”
Her vermicompost production has drawn attention across the village. Women are coming to her for seeds and learning composting methods. Once doubted by neighbors, she has now become a source of advice and inspiration.
Vhabna dreams of expanding vermicompost production commercially and engaging more women in the process. She believes women too can lead in agriculture, opening new horizons for families, communities, and the rural economy.
