• 25 Oct, 2024
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Shahriar Kabir Shimul was born in the Godaghari Sub-district of Rajshahi Division, in the heartland of Bangladesh, where the whispers of golden rice fields blend with the winds of change. His journey unfolds as a tale of resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to the soil. After graduating with a degree in Marketing in 2022, Shimul found himself at a crossroads when the job market proved elusive. However, fueled by a farmer’s spirit and a desire to make a difference, he embarked on a remarkable journey that would not only transform his life but also inspire others.

Shimul is the eldest son in his family. As the oldest, he shouldered the responsibility of supporting his sister and two brothers in their pursuit of education. In the face of societal skepticism about the suitability of an educated person engaging in agriculture, Shimul remained undeterred. Recognizing the societal challenges, he delved into farming, leveraging the C-SUCSeS Project’s bed planting technology.

Shimul witnessed the struggles of educated youth grappling with joblessness, often leading to destructive paths. Fueled by a sense of responsibility and a vision for change, he chose agriculture, a profession handed down by his forefathers. He believed that engaging in farming not only offered economic benefits but also provided a positive outlet for the youth, steering them away from detrimental influences.

In a country where rice production ranked globally but wheat imports remained high, Shimul became a beacon for change. He embraced the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute  (BARI)’s call to diversify crops and reduce dependency on imports. With bed planting technology, he not only addressed the environmental challenges but also witnessed a substantial increase in yields compared to traditional methods.

 “This method is very smart. By adding one simple and inexpensive piece of equipment, we can cultivate our land in a single pass, avoiding the need for three to four separate tillage events. Since land preparation, seeding and fertilizing are completed in one tillage pass through the machine, the fertilizer is placed closely and systematically beside the seeds, resulting in good crop yields. Moreover, due to the raised bed system, wind can pass nicely, and water cannot stay for long, preventing damage to crops like wheat’’- Shimul said.

He said, ‘’In our areas, farmers face challenges due to the high cost of cultivation, as three to four tillage are needed in conventional methods, and the cost of fertilizer and insect control materials is high. This situation has led four generations of agricultural practitioners to seek odd jobs in town, creating population pressure in the city. If such technology can be introduced widely, farmers will return to farming, alleviating the shortage of labor and enhancing food security.”

Shimul’s annual income from cultivation is approximately two lakhs ($1680), which he perceives as double that of a local job. He mentioned when we met him:

” This year, I am cultivating six bighas of land, three of which are leased from others (one bigha is 33 decimal), and three bighas are from my father. In this Robi season, I cultivated 2 bighas of wheat, anticipating an income of 30,000 taka, 2 bighas of maize with an expected income of 50,000 taka, and 2 bighas of mustard that will yield an additional 15,000 taka. In three months’ time, I will earn a total of 90,000 taka, meaning 30,000 taka per month. In a regular job, I can only earn around 15,000 taka. Additionally, I am assisting Shafiqul, the C-SUCSeS bed planter, where I earn 400 taka per day.

Shimul believes in drought prone  High Barind area where he is living, water scarcity is prevalent. Bed planting minimizes water usage compared to traditional methods and efficiently addresses the issue of irrigation in the region. Moreover, it reduces weed infestation and ensures a better harvest by providing proper spacing for each plant.

In addition to the environmental benefits, Shimul emphasizes the economic advantages of bed planting. Although it requires a lower investment in terms of land preparation, the yield is higher, contributing to a better income for farmers. Shimul himself has experienced a 2-4 times increase in yield compared to traditional methods.

Shimul, a master’s degree holder, envisions a future where educated youths actively engage in agriculture, contributing to food security and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. He advocates for the adoption of bed planting technology as a smart solution for modern farming, emphasizing its efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and financial viability.

Shimul’s story transcends personal success; it becomes a rallying cry for educated youths to bridge the gap between education and agriculture. He envisions a future where modern farming practices, like bed planting technology, play a pivotal role in ensuring food security and combating climate change challenges.

As Shimul navigates the challenges of agriculture, he remains connected to the agricultural community, seeking guidance and fostering collaboration. His commitment extends beyond personal gain; he dreams of a society where educated youths actively contribute to agriculture, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for all.

In the fields of Bangladesh, Shimul’s success story stands tall—a testament to the transformative power of innovation, dedication, and the unwavering belief that educated youths can indeed cultivate a brighter future for themselves and their nation.