Rangpur:Selina Akhter, a 45-year-old homemaker and agricultural entrepreneur from Kandi Kabilapara village in Rangpur, has become a beacon of self-reliance and economic empowerment through her cultivation of toxin-free vegetables on a one-acre plot of land.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Selina Akhter earns between Taka 35,000 and Taka 40,000 monthly by growing a wide range of vegetables using organic fertilizer and vermicompost. This income supports her family and covers the educational expenses of her son, Sabbir Ahmed, a second-year BBA student.
Selina's agricultural venture, which she manages with assistance from her husband and brother, includes the cultivation of various vegetables such as beans, cucumbers, gourds, pumpkins, and leafy greens. Her produce is primarily sold to local markets and wholesalers, with a focus on meeting the demand for pesticide-free vegetables.
Pirgachha Upazila Agriculture Officer Krishibid Mst Nilufa Yasmin commended the support provided to farmers like Selina, highlighting the importance of agricultural advice, access to quality seeds, and effective pest management in achieving greater success. Selina's efforts have also created employment opportunities, reinforcing the role of women in the rural economy and setting an inspiring example for others in Bangladesh.