Age is no barrier to Asaduzzaman's boundless energy in the rural landscapes of Jhenaidah. At seventy, his vigour defies the passing of time.
Despite conventional expectations that people, especially those above 60, would embrace a life of leisure, Asaduzzaman, aged 71, remains a determined figure in his village, tirelessly toiling in his croplands and household duties with unwavering dedication.
Hailing from the village of Nityanandapur in Shailkupa upazila, Asaduzzaman is renowned for his agility in scaling towering trees, particularly palm and date trees, a skill honed since childhood. Even during his college days, his adeptness at tree-climbing earned him admiration from peers, reflecting his lifelong affinity for arduous tasks.
During a recent visit to Nityanandapur, our correspondent observed Asaduzzaman ascending palm trees with a cluster of earthen pots, deftly extracting palm juice—a testament to his enduring strength and skill. Reflecting on his upbringing and educational journey, Asaduzzaman takes pride in his children's achievements, with two daughters attaining higher education and his son joining him in the family's agricultural pursuits.
Reinforced by training in soil management and fertility from the non-government organization Unnayan Dhara, Asaduzzaman avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides in favor of organic alternatives like cow dung and compost.
His commitment to sustainable farming practices extends beyond his own fields, as he advocates for greater awareness of organic farming methods among fellow farmers and the wider community.
Despite challenges, including widespread reliance on chemical inputs and limited knowledge of soil fertility, Asaduzzaman remains steadfast in his mission to promote organic farming and the production of palm juice and molasses for the betterment of community health.
Recognising the significance of Asaduzzaman's contributions, Sasti Chandra Roy, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Jhenaidah, acknowledges the pivotal role played by Asaduzzaman's palm molasses in ensuring purity amidst a market flooded with adulterated alternatives. The DAE reaffirms its commitment to supporting organic farming initiatives, pledging continued assistance to Asaduzzaman and fellow practitioners in their noble endeavour.
