Pandemic-displaced driver turns saline wasteland into profitable integrated farm
Photo Collected
A former private car driver who lost his livelihood during the COVID-19 pandemic has successfully transformed barren, salt-affected land in Jhalakathi into a flourishing agricultural hub. Nazmul Islam, a resident of Boro Sarapara village, credits his transition from urban worker to successful farmer to the adoption of the “Sorjan” method—a sustainable, integrated farming technique that combines aquaculture with multi-crop cultivation.
Facing financial hardship upon his return from Dhaka, Nazmul struggled to find a productive use for his saline-prone inherited land. His perspective shifted after observing a model farm in Banaripara village, which operated under a project by the Regional Agricultural Research Institute. Inspired, he sought guidance from regional horticultural experts to navigate the challenges of salt-affected soil. By February 2024, he implemented the Sorjan system, which involves digging deep channels for fish farming while using the excavated earth to create raised beds for fruit and vegetable crops.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The results have been significant. Within ten months, his initial 40-decimal plot yielded its first harvest. Today, his operation has expanded to 200 decimals of land, featuring rows of high-yield BARI-2 variety guava trees grafted onto hardy local rootstocks. In addition to guavas, he cultivates papayas, watermelons, and various climbing vegetables on trellises constructed over the water channels. According to data provided by the farmer, these diversified efforts generate an annual income of approximately 600,000 taka.
Agricultural experts view the Sorjan method as a critical adaptation strategy for climate-vulnerable regions. By integrating different layers of production, farmers can mitigate the risks associated with soil salinity and waterlogging. Dr. Alimur Rahman, a lead scientific officer at the Regional Horticultural Research Center, noted that this approach, paired with modern grafting techniques, allows for year-round production in conditions previously deemed unsuitable for agriculture.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The impact of Nazmul’s success has rippled through the local community. Neighbors who once doubted the viability of the salt-ridden fields are now seeking his expertise to replicate his model. Nazmul currently employs three permanent workers and hires up to seven seasonal laborers, turning what was once unproductive property into a local economic engine.
As reported to local media, Nazmul is now focused on sustainability, preparing guava saplings for three other local farmers who intend to adopt the system. He views his farm not merely as a survival strategy, but as a proof of concept that technical planning and modern methodology can unlock the potential of degraded land. Researchers emphasize that such initiatives are vital for the future of Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, demonstrating how traditional farming can evolve to ensure both profitability and resilience.
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