SANTHIA, PABNA, Jan 24: Vermicompost farming is rapidly gaining traction across Bangladesh, driven by strong demand from farmers seeking sustainable and eco-friendly fertiliser.
Many young entrepreneurs are now venturing into producing this organic fertiliser to tap into its growing market. Among them, Ridoy Hossain of Hatbaria Village in Nandanpur Union has turned this opportunity into a thriving business, earning Tk 45,000 to 50,000 per month.
The son of Shahid Pramanik, Ridoy was unemployed after completing his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), as financial constraints prevented him from pursuing further studies.
Ridoy learned through the Santhia Upazila Agriculture Office that cow dung and earthworms could be used to produce vermicompost, a profitable organic fertiliser. Motivated by the office's guidance, he began producing vermicompost in 2022, receiving initial support from the agriculture office in the form of a small shed. Starting with just 10 rings and two kilograms of earthworms, he gradually expanded production.
Currently, Ridoy runs three sheds under the farm name 'Shahid Agro Vermicompost', producing both vermicompost and earthworms. His monthly production reaches 1,500 to 2,000 kilograms of vermicompost and approximately 15 kilograms of earthworms. Vermicompost is sold at Tk 20 per kilogram, while earthworms fetch Tk 2,000 per kilogram. Overall, the monthly sales of vermicompost and earthworms total Tk 60,000 to 70,000, leaving him with a net profit of Tk 45,000 to 50,000 per month. Ridoy began the business with just Tk 20,000, and now his venture has grown into a capital investment of around Tk 10 lakh.
Local farmers, including Abul Kalam and Israfill Hossain, praised Ridoy's organic fertiliser, saying it improved soil fertility and led to better crop yields after application.
Ridoy's wife, Neva Parvin, said, "We used to struggle with household expenses. Producing organic fertiliser and earthworms has made our family life easier and financially stable."
Shahid Pramanik, Ridoy's father, said he actively supports his son's venture alongside his farming activities. He added that they plan to buy cows to further expand the farm.
Ridoy explained his journey: "I learned from the agriculture office that cow dung could be converted into organic fertiliser. With their support, I received a shed and started production. The Ministry of Agriculture has inspected my farm and expressed satisfaction with the operations. Every month, I sell about Tk 60,000 to 70,000 worth of vermicompost, earning Tk 45,000 to 50,000 after expenses. In the future, government support will be essential to expand organic fertiliser production further."
Santhia Upazila Agriculture Officer Mahmudul Hasan highlighted the benefits of organic fertiliser: "Vermicompost enhances soil fertility over the long term. While chemical fertilisers provide immediate results, they do not maintain soil health; repeated applications are needed for sustained yields. Organic fertilisers, on the other hand, improve soil health, maintain vitality, and provide benefits over multiple crop cycles. Farmers are increasingly turning to organic fertilisers, and we will provide full support to expand production."
Ridoy's initiative is now drawing attention among local farmers, who are seeing tangible benefits in crop production and soil health. With continued government support, experts say, such small-scale ventures could transform local agriculture and encourage more youth to engage in profitable organic farming.
