Vermicompost project was introduced in Chitalmari for the sole benefit of the farmers in the area by Sheikh Rustam Ali Foundation. Using vermin to make compost is a environmentally positive approach which is popular in many countries. But with all the popularity and positive sides, the project is in jeopardy as no support was received from local administration of Chitalmari upazila, informs Rashed Sheikh, chairman of Sheikh Rustam Ali Foundation.
During an interview, Rashed Sheikh said that the area primarily depends on agriculture. Considering that, vermicompost can lead the growth of harmless and poison free agricultural products in the area. As it keep the soil integrity intact, farmers showed massive interest on the project. Thus, the foundation introduced vermicompost in the area in early 2020.
To make vermicompost, cow dung and vermin are needed. As it is a controversial method to create eco-fertilizer, the foundation became talk of the town after starting operation. 94 compost houses were built initially. Each house can produce up to 40 kilograms of fertilizer per month. Due to lack of sell, a huge amount of compost fertilizer is waiting in the shelves.
Upon asking the reason of the lack of sell, the foundation chairman replied that the local agriculture officers have not shown enough interest on the project. As Farmers listen to the advice of agricultural officers, if the officers recommended the compost fertilizer, the sell would increase rapidly. As authorities were not interested to help, the whole project is in murky water as of now.
Local agro expert Soheb Sultan said that vermicompost boost the production rate of crops massively. As it does not harm the soil and no chemical fertilizer is needed, the quality of the crop remains top notch. Agriculture officials should encourage entrepreneurs to build more vermicompost plants.
Chitalmari Upazila Agriculture Officer Hrituraz Sarkar upon asking said that he sent other officers to investigate the method and advice the foundation further. As the authorities did not know that the foundation wanted to spread the vermicompost among the farmers in the area, they could not take official procedures in that regard.