VDP member sets example in modern agriculture thru: cocopeat production in Monirampur
Jashore Correspondent
Ansar-VDP member Md. Rabiul Islam from Kultiia Union under Monirampur upazila in Jashore district has established a successful self-reliance model by processing coconut husks into cocopeat, an essential soilless medium for modern agricultural seedling production.
Instead of discarding coconut husks as waste, Rabiul Islam extracts coconut fibers for traditional rope manufacturing while systematically processing the remaining dust and pith into cocopeat. Used extensively as a light, high-moisture-retentive growing medium in pro-tray nursery systems, cocopeat facilitates optimal root development and mitigates soil-borne disease risks for high-value crops including tomatoes, chillies, eggplants, capsicums, cauliflowers, cabbages, cucumbers, and vining vegetables.
Rabiul Islam's eco-friendly initiative adds value to agricultural byproducts by utilizing locally available raw materials, creating employment, and introducing sustainable farming inputs in the region. Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) at the district and upazila levels visited the processing initiative in Monirampur to inspect operations and provide technical guidance for potential expansion.
Agriculture officials praised Rabiul Islam's dual role as an Ansar-VDP member and agro-entrepreneur, noting that his innovative recycling model serves as an inspiring blueprint for rural self-employment, sustainable resource utilization, and modern technology adoption across the agricultural sector.
