In the challenging landscape of Cox's Bazar, Laila Begum, a tenacious 35-year-old, has emerged as a beacon of sustainable agriculture through her inspiring journey. Facing the dual challenges of water scarcity and saline soil, Laila transformed her conventional farming methods into a sustainable and resilient model.

Laila's transformation began after participating in two enlightening sessions conducted by SHED in October'23. These sessions focused on climate risk management, homestead planning, and innovative organic gardening, and ignited Laila's passion for adopting progressive farming techniques.

Armed with newfound knowledge, Laila embraced sack cultivation as a solution to the region's agricultural challenges. With support from CARE Bangladesh and SHED, she received 15 jute bags and seeds for cucumber and long beans. What sets her approach apart is the ingenious use of half-liter plastic bottles filled with kitchen waste, creating a potent liquid fertilizer. Strategically placing these bottles in the center of each sack, Laila optimized water usage and nurtured her crops in a sustainable method. The results were remarkable – within a short span, she harvested 18 kilograms (kg) of long beans and 16 kg of cucumbers, not only meeting her family's needs but also generating additional income by selling the surplus produce.

Laila's success radiated beyond her own household. Her innovative farming methods attracted attention and admiration of the community. Inspired by her achievements, neighbors sought guidance and expressed a newfound interest in adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

"I am extremely happy to grow fresh vegetables for my family. It was also a great support for my husband," Laila shares, emphasizing her commitment to chemical-free organic cultivation. Her influence has now extended to neighboring women, whom she has pledged to support as they embark on their own sustainable farming journeys.

Looking forward, Laila plans to expand her cultivation to an additional 30 bags, introducing a variety of vegetables. Her story exemplifies the potential for impactful change when communities are equipped with the knowledge and resources to implement sustainable solutions.

This success story, made possible with CARE Bangladesh and SHED's support, is evidence of the transformative power of community-led initiatives. Laila Begum's journey exemplifies resilience and highlights the potential for scalable, sustainable, and green solutions in addressing agricultural challenges in Cox's Bazar.