Bangladesh, with its predominantly agrarian economy, relies heavily on rice cultivation as the primary crop. The country's conducive climatic conditions support year-round rice production, making it an integral component of the dietary culture and a crucial source of nutrition for its populace. Furthermore, rice cultivation serves as a vital source of income for rural communities.
Traditionally, Bangladeshi farmers have utilized chemical fertilizers such as Urea, DAP, MoP, Zinc, and Magnesium to enhance crop yields. Additionally, unprocessed cow dung has been a common choice for organic manure. However, the diminishing availability of cow dung coupled with its adverse effects on crops, including weed proliferation and susceptibility to pests and diseases, has led farmers to explore alternative options. Consequently, there is a growing trend towards the adoption of organic fertilizers, particularly ACI Trichocompost, in rice cultivation.
Organic fertilizers play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on rice cultivation in several ways. Firstly, they aid in maintaining soil moisture, facilitating water retention, and enabling plants to access water effectively through soil pores. Secondly, organic fertilizers enhance the population of beneficial microbes in the soil, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, they bolster plant immunity, thereby aiding in pest and disease management.
ACI Trichocompost, a Trichoderma-based organic fertilizer, has been widely utilized in potato, vegetable, and orchard cultivation in previous years. However, due to limited awareness and understanding of its benefits and cost-effectiveness, its usage in rice cultivation has been relatively low. Over the past three years, concerted efforts by the ACI Fertilizer team and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) to promote organic fertilizers have yielded positive results. Consequently, there has been a notable increase in farmers' interest in incorporating organic fertilizers into their rice fields. This year alone, the use of organic fertilizer has surged by at least 15% compared to the previous year, resulting in a significant improvement in yield—by approximately 20-25%—and grain quality.
Farmers in regions such as Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Jashore, and Kishoreganj are increasingly embracing organic fertilizer application in their crop fields, reaping the benefits of higher yields and enhanced profitability. Looking ahead, ACI aims to further promote the use of organic fertilizers, including ACI Trichocompost, in the upcoming Aman season, underscoring its commitment to fostering sustainable and productive agricultural practices nationwide.
