Sustainable farming brings success for Piya Biswas

Piya Biswas, a cattle farmer from Lautara village in Tala upazila, Satkhira, has transformed her small farm into a model of sustainable entrepreneurship by adopting Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices. Her success demonstrates how women-led enterprises can contribute to economic growth while protecting the environment.

Since 2015, cattle farming has been Piya's main source of income. However, rising production costs, high electricity bills, and poor waste management reduced the profitability of her farm. A turning point came in 2025 when she joined the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) project. Implemented by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) with support from the Government of Bangladesh and the World Bank, the project provided her with training in RECP adoption and climate-smart livestock management.

With technical support from the project, Piya introduced several eco-friendly technologies, including a solar-powered cooling system, transparent roofing for natural lighting, and vermicompost production from cattle waste. These improvements significantly reduced water and electricity consumption while creating a healthier environment for her livestock.

The results have been remarkable. Her monthly electricity bill has fallen from around BDT 3,500 to BDT 1,600, and the farm now saves nearly 5,000 litres of water every day. By converting cattle manure into vermicompost, she has also created an additional source of income while improving soil health and reducing environmental pollution.

Piya's success extends beyond her own business. Her farm has become a demonstration site where neighbouring farmers visit to learn about sustainable livestock farming. Inspired by her achievements, many are now interested in adopting similar green technologies through the SMART project.

Her journey reflects the growing role of women in building climate-resilient and resource-efficient rural enterprises. By combining innovation, practical skills, and environmental responsibility, Piya has shown that sustainable farming can be both profitable and environmentally friendly.