By Sultana Khatun from Rajshahi

Shilpi Begum (35), a resident of Taluk Dharmapur village in Darshan Para Union of Paba Upazila, Rajshahi, has become a role model in her community through her and environment friendly and diversified farming practices. Managing a five-member household on 20 decimal homestead land and 66 decimal farmland, she cultivates a variety of native vegetables and fruits while also rearing ducks, chickens, goats, and cows.

In 2023, after connecting with BARCIK, she began practicing planned, chemical-free, and organic farming. She makes her own bio-pesticides and vermicompost, growing red amaranth, spinach, bottle gourd, lemon, chili, and four varieties of native bananas. Beyond meeting her family’s needs, she shares produce with neighbors and poorer community members and even sells the surplus in the market earning additional cash for family.

She conserves seeds from her own harvest and exchanges them with neighbors, earning her homestead the name “Seed House.” Each year, she exchanges seeds with around 200 men and women. She also keeps 2 cows, 3 goats, about 30 Muscovy ducks, 25 native ducks, 35 pigeons, and 40 native chickens. By selling vegetables, fruits, and livestock, she earns around 40,000 taka annually, contributing to her family’s finances.

BARCIK has recognized her homestead as a “Model Shotobari.” Many villagers now follow her example. Local farmer Shamim Osman said, “We learned from Shilpi Begum how women can plan farming to meet family needs and earn income.” Shilpi Begum added, “With BARCIK’s support, I have been able to produce pesticide-free vegetables, exchange them with neighbors, and use the extra income for my family. My initiative is encouraging other women as well.”