At the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) headquarters in the capital, an integrated farm has been built on unused land. A former site of pollution is now an example of environment-friendly farming.

RAB headquarters stands on 15 bighas beside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Apart from office buildings, the land was fallow, full of abandoned drains and rubbish. A military officer took the initiative to protect the environment and build a farm.

Wing Commander Mofazzal Hossain, director of administration at RAB headquarters, said the aim was to use abandoned land: it produces fruit and protects the environment, and the fruit is free of toxins and formalin.

After three years of care, the site is an integrated farm. The abandoned drain was dug into a lake stocked with fish and ducks, and fruit gardens, a pigeon loft and vegetables were added on its banks. Everything is 100 per cent organic.

He said he uses only cow dung and organic fertiliser made from rotted leaves, fish offal and cattle blood.

A canteen and other amenities surround the farm, to improve the working environment for 1,400 staff and supply toxin-free vegetables and fruit. A RAB member said they are eating fresh fruit they grow themselves. The officer said if everyone planted trees with organic fertiliser and shared the fruit, the country and its people would benefit.

Source: Shykh Seraj, Hridoye Mati O Manush. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.