For many years, securing quality vegetable seedlings was a major challenge for Kohinur Fakir, a farmer from Fakirpara village in Singair Upazila of Manikganj district. During both the winter and monsoon seasons, quality seedlings were often scarce in local markets. Even when available, their poor quality frequently resulted in low yields and financial losses. At times, Kohinur was unable to cultivate his leased land due to the unavailability of suitable seedlings.
Kohinur cultivates vegetables throughout the year and requires between 5,000 and 7,000 seedlings each season for crops such as cauliflower, cabbage, beans, bottle gourd, eggplant, tomato, chili, bitter gourd, cucumber etc. Relying on local markets for seedlings created uncertainty and increased production costs.
A turning point came when Kohinur became involved with WAVE’s “The Green Evolution: Pathways to Transforming Food Systems in India, Bangladesh and Nepal” Project. Through training on Sustainable Integrated Farming Systems (SIFS), he learned about climate-resilient nurseries and modern seedling production techniques. The training introduced practical approaches to producing quality seedlings under extreme weather conditions, efficient use of limited space and opportunities for additional income through seedling production. Inspired by the training and supported with technical guidance from project staff, Kohinur established a Climate-Resilient Seedling Production Center at his homestead. The nursery, measuring 18 feet by 30 feet, was built at a cost of approximately BDT 60,000. The project provided materials worth nearly BDT 25,000 including UV poly sheet, insect net, shade net, cocopeat blocks and seedling trays while Kohinur invested the remaining amount.
The nursery’s design protects seedlings from extreme sunlight, pests and temperature fluctuations while the use of cocopeat instead of traditional soil has improved germination rates and produced healthier seedlings with better growth performance. As a result, the better quality has also increased their market value while ordinary seedlings in the market sell for BDT 2 each, Kohinur sells his seedlings for BDT 2.5 to 3 each. In the first year, he produced 10,000 seedlings, used 7,000 on his own land and sold the remaining 3,000, earning BDT 9,000 from seedling sales. Kohinur now plans to expand production to the nursery’s full capacity of 15,000 seedlings.
Reflecting on his journey, Kohinur shared, “For years, I struggled to find quality seedlings. Now I can produce my own, meet my farming needs and earn additional income by selling the surplus.” Kohinur’s experience demonstrates how access to knowledge, climate-resilient technologies, and timely support can empower farmers to overcome production challenges, adapt to the impacts of climate change, enhance their incomes, and build more sustainable and resilient livelihoods.
