A couple from Mymensingh, Bangladesh, are self-sufficient by producing seedlings in a polynet house
A white house stands in a vast crop field. The upper part looks wavy. The almost two-storey house is called ‘Polinet House’ on paper.
These houses, made of special polythene and iron pipe angles, are used for growing various vegetables and producing seedlings of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Winter, summer, monsoon – the work of producing seedlings goes on all year round.
Sweety Akhter and Alamin, a couple from the Churkhai Jamtala area of Mymensingh Sadar, have built this polytunnel. They have prospered by producing seedlings here. They have earned the trust of farmers. They have eliminated their unemployment in a short time. In addition, many men and women have been employed.
District Agricultural Extension Department officials report that poly-net houses are growing in popularity in Mymensingh for producing profitable, high-quality seedlings. Farmers from various regions are purchasing seedlings from the polyhouse. In the context of climate change, it is safe and disease-free for seedling production.
The Sweety-Alamin couple were inspired by seedling production videos on Facebook and YouTube. Later, with the advice and support of the local agriculture department, they built a polynet house equipped with modern technology. They started working from July last year. The nursery has been aptly named Anisha Smart Hi-Tech Agro.
There is already a huge demand for the seedlings produced here among farmers. Seedlings are being sent to different districts of the country as per the demand. Many farmers are coming to the garden and buying seedlings.
Sweety Akhter announced the construction of a modern polynet house, stating, “My husband has always been interested in agriculture.” Later, I was inspired by seeing seedling production in poly-net houses on Facebook and YouTube.
I contacted the Sadar Upazila Agriculture Office to find out more. With the help of the agriculture department, I built a polynet house using modern technology. I began cultivating seedlings last July. Producing seedlings in this area yields substantial profits. So far, we have sold seedlings worth three and a half lakh taka.
Regarding seedling production at the Pollinate House, Alamin Hossain said, ‘The temperature is controlled in the Pollinate House. As a result, the seedlings produced here are healthy and strong. There is no chance of insects entering. The seedlings produced are 100% disease-free. I buy seeds from trusted institutions at a higher price.
It generates robust seedlings. Farmers get success by buying those seedlings. Additionally, cocopeat allows seedling roots to remain intact. The seedlings are remarkably resilient. Due to this, the confidence of the farmers increases.’
The entrepreneur noted that seedlings can be grown anywhere in the country and in any weather using a poly-net house. He said, ‘It plays an important role in the production of improved varieties of seedlings. If the temperature rises in the Pollinate House, there is a system to automatically water and mist if necessary.
Farmers are facing problems in cultivation due to climate change. For this reason, the polynet house is playing a role in agricultural development. Now farmers from different districts are coming and buying seedlings.
Local farmer Kamrul Islam stated that farmers from various districts, not just the nearby area, are coming to collect seedlings produced here. We are reaping the rewards of cultivating crops using the seedlings we have here.
Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Zubayra Begum Sathi commented, “Polytunnel houses are gaining popularity as a response to climate change.” If it is spread among farmers across the country, farmers will benefit by producing safe seedlings. We are continuing that effort.’
According to sources from the District Agricultural Extension Department, 120 polynet houses have been built in Mymensingh. The Agriculture Department is thinking of spreading such modern technology polynet houses across the country for the development of agriculture.
