Shahriar Kabir Shimul’s journey unfolds in the lush fields of Bangladesh, where resilience meets innovation. Born in the Godaghari Sub-district of Rajshahi Division, he graduated with a Marketing degree in 2022, only to find himself facing a challenging job market. Opting to return to agriculture as the eldest son, he embraced the responsibility of supporting his siblings’ education. Undeterred by skepticism regarding educated individuals in farming, Shimul seized the opportunity to implement the C-SUCSeS Project’s bed planting technology, ultimately transforming his life and inspiring those around him.
Witnessing the struggles faced by educated youth grappling with unemployment, Shimul viewed agriculture as a viable solution. He believed that by engaging in farming—an inheritance from his forefathers—he could offer not only economic benefits but also a positive outlet for young people, steering them away from destructive paths.
In a nation where rice production is a cornerstone of the economy, yet wheat imports remain high, Shimul emerged as a leader for change. He responded to the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute’s (BARI) call to diversify crops and reduce dependency on imports. By implementing bed planting technology, he tackled environmental challenges while significantly boosting his crop yields compared to traditional farming methods.
“This method is very smart,” Shimul explains. “With one simple, inexpensive piece of equipment, we can cultivate our land in a single pass, avoiding multiple tillage events. This efficiency not only saves time but also optimizes fertilizer placement next to the seeds, leading to impressive crop yields. Additionally, the raised bed system allows for better air circulation and prevents waterlogging, protecting crops like wheat.”
His success is tangible; Shimul now earns approximately two lakhs ($1680) annually from his cultivation—double the income of a local job. “This year, I am cultivating six bighas of land—three leased and three from my father. In this Robi season, I’ve planted two bighas of wheat, expecting an income of 30,000 taka, two bighas of maize for 50,000 taka, and two bighas of mustard for an additional 15,000 taka. In total, I anticipate earning around 90,000 taka, which translates to 30,000 taka per month. In a regular job, I would only make about 15,000 taka,” he shares.
“Farmers in our area face high cultivation costs due to conventional methods requiring several tillage passes. This financial strain has led many agricultural practitioners to seek alternative jobs in towns, contributing to urban population pressure. If we can widely introduce technologies like bed planting, we can revitalize farming, alleviate labor shortages, and enhance food security.”Shimul’s observations on farming costs reveal a deeper economic impact.
Living in the drought-prone High Barind area, Shimul is acutely aware of water scarcity. Bed planting minimizes water usage and efficiently addresses irrigation challenges, while also reducing weed infestation and ensuring optimal plant spacing for better harvests.
Beyond environmental advantages, Shimul emphasizes the economic benefits of bed planting. The method requires lower investments in land preparation while yielding significantly higher returns—an increase of 2 to 4 times compared to traditional methods.
Shimul, now pursuing a master’s degree, envisions a future where educated youth actively engage in agriculture, contributing to food security and combating climate change. He passionately advocates for the adoption of bed planting technology as a smart solution for modern farming, highlighting its efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and financial viability.
His story transcends personal success; it serves as a rallying cry for educated youth to bridge the gap between education and agriculture. Shimul dreams of a society where modern farming practices, such as bed planting technology, play a crucial role in ensuring food security and addressing climate challenges.
As he navigates the challenges of agriculture, Shimul remains deeply connected to his agricultural community, fostering collaboration and seeking guidance. His commitment extends beyond personal gain; he aspires to create a future where educated youth contribute actively to agriculture, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for all.
In the fields of Bangladesh, Shimul’s success story stands tall—a testament to the transformative power of innovation, dedication, and the unwavering belief that educated youth can cultivate a brighter future for themselves and their nation.