A discussion meeting was held in Mohipur, Patuakhali, to promote environmentally friendly farming practices and increase the use of vermicompost among farmers.

The meeting was organized at 4:00 pm on Wednesday (August 19) at the Andharmanik Training Room of the Caritas office in Mohipur Thana Sadar. It was arranged under the ECRAB (Enhancing Climate Resilience through Agroecology in Bangladesh) and Dharitri projects of Caritas Barishal Region.

The program began with a universal prayer led by Kajal Gharami, Field Facilitator of the Dharitri Project at the Caritas Mohipur office. The meeting was chaired by George Boiragi, Junior Program Officer of the ECRAB and Dharitri projects in Kalapara under Caritas Barishal Region.

Additional Agriculture Officer of Kalapara Upazila, Md. Nahid Hasan, attended the meeting as the chief guest. Among the special guests were Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Md. Ashraf Ali, Caritas LCMO official Mr. Mongmya, Kuakata Reporters Unity President Mizanur Rahman Ripon, Caritas Field Officer Md. Jamal Hossain, Jagonari Project Officer Kishore Kumar Das, media worker Abul Hossain Raju, UP member Nurunnahar Begum, farmer Asim Shikari and farmer Golapi Rani, among others.

Following the introduction session, George Boiragi delivered the welcome speech. He emphasized the growing importance of organic farming and environmentally friendly initiatives in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. He also stressed the need to increase vermicompost production, make it easily available to farmers and expand its use in agriculture.

The meeting discussed various aspects of vermicompost production, agricultural use, benefits and market expansion. Local fertilizer dealers and traders highlighted the demand and potential for expanding the vermicompost market, along with existing challenges. Farmers and local representatives also shared their opinions and suggestions on increasing the use of the organic fertilizer.

The participants discussed strategies for marketing vermicompost produced under the Dharitri Project and promoting organic farming practices. Speakers also emphasized raising farmers’ awareness by highlighting the benefits and quality of vermicompost through various media platforms.

During the open discussion session, farmers shared their experiences, recommendations and views. Particular emphasis was placed on marketing vermicompost produced under the Dharitri Project and identifying ways to expand climate-friendly and organic farming practices.

Chief Guest Md. Nahid Hasan said vermicompost plays an important role in improving soil fertility through environmentally friendly methods. He expressed hope that reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and ensuring the availability of organic fertilizer would contribute to sustainable agricultural production.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks and closing remarks by Junior Program Officer George Boiragi, who expressed gratitude to all participants.

The meeting was moderated by Asim Kumar Biswas, Marketing Promotion Officer of the Caritas Kalapara office.