Md. Shahidul Islam from Rajshahi
If someone does good things and shares with others these good things are replicated and spreads around. People learns and tries to do by themselves to make difference in the society and state. Development works get accelerated when someone replicates the work in their areas. When people understand that it is their own development for their own sake, they work directly to advance things by themselves. These sorts of development works never require more money. Therefore it can be said that if people think for the development of the people and evaluate their thoughts, they can advance their development very easily.
A similar example of development has been set by Bilkis Begum (50) and Renuka Begum (41) of Baragachi Union of Paba Upazila in Rajshahi. Bilkis Begum learned to produce vermin compost herself eight years ago out of curiosity. She prepared this fertilizer at home and applied the fertilizers on her land. As the use of this vermin compost fertilizer improves the vegetables and other crops of the land, other farmers expressed eagerness to buy her fertilizers so that they too could use them in their croplands. Thus, her sale of vermin compost fertilizer started increasing. Similarly, her production capacity also increased.
Bilkis Begum mentioned that last year she earned 12 thousand monthly by selling vermin compost to the farmers of her area. According to her information in the month of April this year (2023), now her monthly income is 20 thousand taka per month. She has expanded her fertilizer making shed which is 4 sheds now compared to one shed in the previous year. She made more vermin compost from these 4 sheds. However, Bilkis Begum does not only earn for herself, but she also helps others in the manufacture and marketing of fertilizers. According to her, about 15 women of her village are involved in the production and marketing of vermin compost fertilizer. At the same time, almost all the farmers of her village use eco-friendly vermin compost fertilizer on their lands.
Due to the effort made by Bilkis Begum, the production and consumption of vermin compost fertilizer has increased day by day in the village. On the other hand, Renuka Begum is helping to increase the income of the family by producing and selling homestead vegetables besides making vermin compost fertilizer at her home. She earns more than 5 thousand monthly by selling local varieties of cultivated and uncultivated vegetable and edible spinaches. At the same time, her house has a variety of local fruits and forest trees as well.
The women of the village have become united due to being inspired by the developmental work of Renuka and Bilkis. They formed an organization themselves. They are playing a special role in the development and empowerment of women through implementing their organizational activities. Through their organization, they have been able to develop good communication and relationship the representatives of government and private services delivery organizations which resulted in their increased access to public and private services and entitlements. Due to the sincerity and hard work of Renuka and Bilkis, the women of a village are getting various benefits through the organization and at the same time they are playing a special role in their empowerment including production.
Sabana Begum (45) of the village said, ‘Because of Bilkis Begum, the people of our village have learned about the aspects of environment-friendly agriculture. Besides, BARCIK also has been facilitating different environment friendly activities in the areas which encouraged and motivated Bilkis Begum and others in the village. She went on saying, ‘Being facilitated by BARCIK Renuka also has helped us in organizational aspects. Therefore, we are proud to say the Bilkis and Renuka are our inspiration.’
Translated by Silvanus Lamin
