Biplop Sikder of Monukheypara area under Taltali upazila in Barguna district has become a model farmer as he grows vegetables without using chemical fertilisers or insecticides.

This correspondent visited the area recently and found Biplop, his wife Sangeeta, and father Nirmal Sikder washing vegetables and weighing them.

"Local people prefer to buy my vegetables because I don't use chemical fertiliser or insecticides. Five years ago, I leased 0.92 acres of land from Barguna district administration for 90 years. Since then, I have been growing different kinds of chemical-free seasonal vegetables," said Bipop.

He said Rural Development Foundation (RDF) is providing technical support, seeds and organic fertilisers.

"I sell on average 100 kg of vegetables daily and earn about Tk 2,000 to Tk 3,000," he added.

"Many local people come to our house to buy fresh and chemical-free vegetables daily. We have become self-reliant by selling vegetables. I dream of educating my only son, 5-year-old Rudhro," said Sangeeta.

"I used to sell seasonal vegetables and fruits in Taltali bazaar after buying them from Jessore. About five years ago, I thought that I could grow seasonal vegetables on a piece of khas land in front of my house," said Biplop.

"I shared my plan with my family members, including my wife and father, and they encouraged me. I then took the land on lease from Barguna DC office and started cultivating vegetables," he said.

Contacted, Mahbub Hossain, field officer of RDF, said vegetables grown on Biplop's field have become popular to local people as they are chemical-free.

"After seeing his success, some youths of the area have also started growing chemical-free vegetables here," he added.