Shamuel Hasda, from Ghior, Manikganj
Parveen Akhter (35) from Helachia village in Nali Union of Ghior Upazila, Manikganj, cultivates a variety of vegetables during the monsoon. Her husband, Md. Almas (40), works as a village guard. A mother of three, Parveen has long practiced organic farming in her homestead.
This year, she planted Malabar spinach on the kitchen roof, bottle gourd and sponge gourd on the rooftop, and brinjal and chili on higher ground. She also built a bamboo trellis over a nearby pond to grow bottle gourd during the monsoon. Her home was included in BARCIK’s “Hundred Homes Model” in 2024, through which she received support like a cement ring for vermicomposting and a clay pot for seed conservation that boost her motivation further.
Parveen said in this regard, “We used to buy vegetables from the market. Now, we grow them organically. We even sell some surplus after meeting our family’s needs.” “This ensures both nutrition and income. With willpower, it is possible to reduce market dependency. My husband helps me, and I take full care of the plants. She added”
Inspired by Parveen, her neighbors have also started growing vegetables in an organic way and exchanging seeds. She dreams of turning every home in her village into a ‘nutrition home’.
It is noted tha tVegetables are an essential part of our daily diet. They supply vital nutrients and boost immunity. With minimal cost, growing vegetables in one’s homestead can easily meet a family’s nutritional needs.
