Photo: BSS

 
DINAJPUR, May 26, 2026 (BSS) - Farmers in several villages of Dinajpur Sadar upazila have achieved remarkable success in cultivating poison-free and safe vegetables using organic methods, gaining popularity among both consumers and local growers.
 
The initiative, led by the Agriculture Branch of Mahila Bahumukhi Shiksha Kendra (MBSK) with support from Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) encourages farmers to grow vegetables without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Instead, farmers are using organic fertilizers, neem extract, vermin compost and pheromone traps to control pests and improve crop quality.
 
According to MBSK Agriculture Branch Officer Agriculturist Md. Naimur Rahman, the demand for safe and chemical-free vegetables is rapidly increasing among consumers. He said farmers are benefiting by producing high-value vegetables at lower costs while earning higher profits in the market.
 
During a recent field visit to Nuniagari village under Askarpur union of the upazila, lush fields of bitter gourd, pointed gourd, snake gourd, chilli, brinjal, and pumpkin were seen thriving under the eco-friendly farming system. Pheromone traps installed across the fields are effectively reducing harmful insect infestations without the use of toxic chemicals.
 
MBSK Agriculture Department Field Officer Md. Zubair Roni said organic fertilizers and neem-based solutions are helping farmers reduce dependency on chemical inputs while ensuring healthy crop production. He added that pheromone traps also help prevent fungal infections and various crop diseases, resulting in better yields and improved quality.
 
Farmer Md. Sayed Ali from Mohabbatpur village said he cultivated bitter gourd and local varieties of pointed gourd on 30 acres of land this season using the new method. Spending around Taka 22,000, he has already earned nearly Taka 60,000 in profit and expects additional income over the next one to one-and-a-half months from continued harvesting.
 
Explaining the effectiveness of pheromone traps, agricultural officials said the traps attract and kill male insects using synthetic female insect scents, thereby protecting crops without the need for harmful pesticides.
 
Several farmers from Nagorpara village, including Md. Abdur Rahman, Mahbub Hossain, Shahidul Islam, Biren Chandra, and Shefali Rani, said they are now cultivating vegetables such as bitter gourd, pointed gourd, and snake gourd using organic techniques. 
 
They said that the use of vermicompost, organic fertilizers, and neem extract has significantly increased production while keeping crops safe from pests.
 
MBSK Agriculture Officer Jobayer Roni said marginal farmers in Dinajpur are being trained and motivated to adopt safe and high-value vegetable farming practices. He expressed optimism that more farmers will embrace poison-free cultivation methods in the future due to their economic and environmental benefits.
 
Deputy Director of the Dinajpur Department Agricultural Extension (DAE) Md. Afzal Hossain said several private organizations are working with farmers across the district to promote chemical-free vegetable cultivation. 
 
After visiting the fields, he expressed satisfaction with the progress and assured continued support for such environmentally friendly agricultural initiatives.