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Eco-friendly bottle gourd farming brings success in Jhalakathi
Published : Wednesday, 11 November, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides, Kamrul Islam, a farmer from Rupsia village adjacent to the Gabkhan River in Dhansiri union of Jhalakathi Sadar upazila, is successfully cultivating bottle gourds using organic fertilizers and eco-friendly methods.
By utilizing vermicompost, sex pheromone traps, and sticky traps while adhering to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Kamrul has managed to lower production costs while fostering the potential for safe vegetable output. Barring major floods, he expects to earn between Tk 3 lakh and Tk 4 lakh annually from the venture.
Kamrul began cultivation on scaffolding a few years ago after struggling to meet household needs through traditional seasonal farming. Following strong initial yields, he gradually expanded his operations, transforming bottle gourd farming into a primary source of income.
During the 2025–26 fiscal year, under the Department of Agricultural Extension's PARTNER program, Kamrul and Mizanur Rahman jointly cultivated bottle gourds on 100 decimals of land using GAP.
The initiative relies entirely on organic fertilizers, notably vermicompost, alongside deep tubewell irrigation. To combat pests, chemical pesticides have been replaced by sex pheromone and sticky traps.
After receiving training from Farmer Field Schools, Kamrul applied various GAP techniques to his fields, successfully controlling cultivation expenses and securing high yields.
"I used to farm seasonal crops, which made running my family difficult," Kamrul said. "Switching to bottle gourd cultivation changed my situation. Following GAP has reduced costs, and I am satisfied to produce safe vegetables."
Having already sold over 250 gourds directly from his field—with more than 300 still hanging on the vines—Kamrul sells to local wholesalers and retail buyers who visit his farm. Two regular workers assist him in field management.
Local buyer Yasin noted that consumers prefer purchasing fresh, eco-friendly produce directly from the source.
Jhalakathi Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer, agriculturist Ali Ahmed, stated that the agriculture department has provided regular guidance and high-quality seeds to Kamrul, praising his initiative in safe vegetable production.
He added that bottle gourds have been cultivated across 40 hectares of land in Jhalakathi Sadar upazila this season, yielding an estimated market value exceeding Tk 1 crore.
-EM
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
