What began as an uncertain decision to move beyond traditional crops has grown into a successful year-round drumstick (ODC: Olitorius Drumstick Cultivation) variety farming initiative and a source of employment for local villagers. Md. Ramzan Ali of Hauli village in Damurhuda, Chuadanga, now earns from both drumstick production and sapling sales and is recognized as a “Model Farmer.” His journey began with 0.33 acre of land, BDT 10,000 from his savings, a WAVE Foundation grant and continuous technical guidance.
Ramzan grew up in a traditional farming family, working alongside his father, Nur Haq Mondal. Despite good crop yields, conventional farming methods, limited technical knowledge and low market prices often left him with little financial return. A new chapter in Ramzan’s farming journey began in 2022 with the introduction of WAVE Foundation’s Agriculture Unit in Hauli. Ramzan joined as a member under Unit 057, Koshaghata and regular counseling from WAVE officials and field staff gradually gave him the confidence to try something new.
With WAVE’s support, he began cultivating the high-yielding, year-round variety of drumstick which produces off-season harvests and offers better market opportunities. On 0.33 acre, he planted 20 “ODC” saplings using BDT 10,000 from his savings along with WAVE’s grant. Villagers initially questioned his decision to replace paddy and jute with drumstick trees. Following WAVE’s advice on fertilizer application and pest management, Ramzan remained committed. Within seven to eight months, the trees began producing fruit, earning him BDT 9,000- 10,000 in the first season. In the following season, he retained seeds from selected trees to produce saplings, earning BDT 35,000- 40,000 from drumsticks and BDT 10,000- 12,000 from saplings. Today, drumstick sales generate BDT 75,000- 80,000 while sapling sales are expected to exceed BDT 125,000.
“I was initially doubted by many, but WAVE Foundation provided the direction and confidence I needed. Without their assistance, reaching this position would not have been possible,” said Ramzan.
His journey exemplifies how financial support, technical guidance, and continuous counselling can help farmers move beyond traditional practices and build sustainable livelihoods. His nursery now provides employment for 5-10 local villagers while farmers from neighboring villages visit his orchard for advice. Ramzan aims to produce larger quantities of quality perennial saplings so more farmers can adopt profitable cultivation.
