By Mukter Hossain from Harirampur, Manikganj

Farmers in the char areas of Harirampur Upazila, especially in Lechraganj Union of Manikganj, are widely using cow manure on their croplands. This practice is helping maintain soil health, reduce cultivation costs, and ensure the production of safe food.

Shahid Sheikh, a farmer from Patgram Char, said: “I have 150 decimals of cultivable land, and I use cow manure on all of it. I have eight cattle at home whose dung I store and apply in the fields. Because of this, my crops grow well and the food remains safe.” He went on sating, “I do not need to buy chemical fertilizers from the market. On 33 decimals, I spread cow manure with the help of three laborers for 1500 taka. Since most of us in the char areas keep cattle, it is easy for us to use cow manure on our fields.”

Cow manure is a natural organic fertilizer that is highly beneficial for soil and plants. While chemical fertilizers degrade soil health and destroy the micro and macro organisms above and below ground which disrupts the ecosystem. On the other hand, cow manure improves soil fertility, supplies nutrients to plants, and boosts yields. It is also environmentally friendly.

BARCIK is encouraging farmers in the char areas of Harirampur, Manikganj, to use cow manure through field-level training, experience-sharing visits, and safe food production fairs. It is to mention that Harirampur is a riverine flood-prone area. Every year, floods deposit fertile alluvial soil on farmland, enhancing its productivity. Most char farmers keep cattle at home, providing them with ample cow dung. By applying this manure to their fields, they maintain and improve soil fertility