Organic pest control in CHT

The simple machine producing organic pesticide by crushing Nim leaves in Khagrachhari. PHOTO: STAR

The pesticide is produced by crushing Nim leaves in a simple machine. The machine first introduced by British American Tobacco (BAT) company in 200 for use by its contracted tobacco growers in the hills is now widely used by farmers for pest control in rice, wheat, sugarcane and vegetables fields.

The raw material is also found in plenty from Nim trees, available in the hills. Because of its utility, Nim trees are also being planted by farmers, who are becoming environment conscious.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

It is a almost a household machine for farmers in Bagaichhari, Rangamati, Kawkhali, Alikhadam, Lama, Banderban, Matiranga, Mhoalehhri, Dighinala, Marung and Khagrachhari.

Over one lakh farmers in 72 villages are being benefited from the innovation in the three hill districts of Khagrachhari, Rangamati and Bandarban.

"It is not only cheap and environment friendly. Health of humans and animals is also safe now", said farmer Abul Zalil, a member of Merung Union Parishad in Dighinala while talking tot this correspondent during a recent vis8it to the area.

The machine costs between Tk 1500 and 1800. Even farmers can make it as spares are available in local markets, he said. An electric motor, a steel frame box, some iron rods, pipes and crushing blades (knives) are needed to make the machine.

Two kilograms of Nim leaves and 10 kilograms of water are put into the box. When the motor is switched on, the leaves are crashed and mixed with water within five minutes. The green water in kept in a pot for 3-4 days and it is fit for use in field.

It is a wonderful pest control method, said farmer Abdul Hye of Merong village.

"We get good harvest of all crops without any cost for pest control", said Ratan Tripura of the village.

It saves not only money but also time as farmers themselves produce the insecticide, said Mohammed Nasim, Field Supervisor of BAT in Khagrachhari.

Trinamul Unnyan Sonshestha and Barcik NGO jointly organized a press conference at Khagrachhari press club where

Ashok Chakma, president of local NGO Trinamul Unnyan Sonshestha and researcher Pavel Partha said they welcomed the new method introduced by BAT though they oppose tobacco cultivation by the company.

BAT distributed 50,000 Nim plants among farmers in Khagrachhari during its tree plantation week last year. It also supplied 100 machines.