In the small village of Makrail in Durgapur upazila of Netrokona, the lives of women have undergone a remarkable transformation. Once confined entirely to household duties and dependent on their husbands’ modest incomes, they are now earning independently and bringing economic stability to their families through vermicompost production.
The journey began around 2016 with local resident Sujana Khatun. Encouraged by a local NGO, she started producing vermicompost using cow dung on a small scale. She soon realized the growing market demand and expanded her production. Today, her earnings cover all household expenses, including her children’s education, and she even contributes to her husband’s income. Inspired by her success, around 50 women in the village have taken up vermicompost production.
Following in Sujana’s footsteps, Mojida Khatun set up her own vermicompost unit at home, balancing household responsibilities with her growing business. She now shares in meeting her family’s expenses alongside her husband.
Another resident, middle-aged woman Sufia Khatun, has used her earnings from vermicompost sales to purchase two cows, providing her with both milk and cow dung for further fertilizer production. Recently, she sold 40 maunds of vermicompost. “We are living well now by selling this compost, and I plan to continue for as long as I can,” she said.
Villagers take pride in the women’s progress, noting that while husbands earn outside, wives are now generating income from home, significantly improving household fortunes.
Acting Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Raihanul Haque said, “As a natural fertilizer, vermicompost not only enriches soil fertility but also boosts crop yields. This part of Makrail village is now known as the ‘vermicompost village,’ which is a milestone for our agricultural office. We will continue to support them in every way possible.”
