Under the Sustainable Microenterprise and Resilient Transformation (SMART) Project funded by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the World Bank, WAVE Foundation is working to promote resource-efficient and environmentally responsible production systems among rural entrepreneurs. A strong example of this effort can be seen in Manikpur village of Jibannagar Upazila in Chuadanga district where entrepreneur Md. Sojol renovated his malta orchard by replacing the conventional flood irrigation system with drip irrigation, thereby successfully applying the principles of Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP).
For many years, fruit cultivation in Chuadanga and Meherpur regions relied heavily on flood irrigation and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These practices gradually led to a decline in groundwater levels, contamination of water sources, deterioration of soil quality, inefficient water use and increased production risks during droughts and heatwaves. At the same time, dependence on monocrop orchards increased the frequency of pest and disease outbreaks, restricting farmers incomes and making fruit production largely seasonal and uncertain.
To address these challenges, the SMART Project provided Md. Sojol with technical guidance and financial support in line with RECP principles. He received a loan of BDT 100,000 to support orchard management activities including the use of saplings, organic fertilizers and eco-friendly pest control measures. In addition, a grant of BDT 50,000 was provided to install a drip irrigation system while Md. Sojol contributed an additional BDT 60,000 from his own resources. This joint investment boosts his confidence in the technology’s effectiveness and his commitment to sustainable farming. Through this initiative, a controlled and water-efficient drip irrigation system was introduced across nearly 45 percent of the orchard, covering approximately 400- 420 malta trees.
As a result, water consumption has been reduced by an estimated 60- 70 percent compared to flood irrigation while irrigation time and pumping costs have decreased significantly. It is estimated that within one year, this RECP practice will reduce production costs by around BDT 120,000. The availability of consistent, regulated soil moisture has improved both yield and fruit quality while maintaining soil fertility and on-farm biodiversity. At the same time, groundwater remains protected from pollution and pressure from excessive water extraction has been reduced.
The use of organic manure, bio-fertilizers and natural pest control methods has ensured that malta is produced in a safe and health-conscious manner. This has increased trust among local consumers, creating the potential for higher market value and premium pricing in the future as demand for safe and sustainably grown fruit continues to rise. Reflecting on the change, Md. Sojol shared, “By using drip irrigation, I have learned that farming can be both cost-effective and environmentally responsible while still delivering better results.”
A drip-based RECP model can ensure safe production, lower costs and higher profits with significantly reduced water use. Md. Sojol’s malta orchard is now regarded as a useful, climate-resilient and replicable model of sustainable and profitable fruit cultivation in the Chuadanga region.
