Water Hyacinth Transforms from Weed to Livelihood in Bagerhat
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Water hyacinth, commonly considered a weed in ponds, canals, and marshlands, has become the primary source of livelihood for a family in Bagerhat.
By collecting, processing, and drying these aquatic plants, the family sends raw materials to Dhaka to produce various eco-friendly goods, including garden pots, chicken baskets, dog baskets, shoes, vases, floor mats, doormats, and tissue boxes.
A portion of these products is even exported abroad, simultaneously cleaning local water bodies and fostering new employment opportunities.
In Khanjahan Palli, Bagerhat city, workers harvest water hyacinth daily from a local canal.
Imran Sheikh, a laborer engaged in the collection, said, “Two workers and I pull water hyacinth from the canal every day from 8 am to 2 pm. We receive a daily wage of Tk 2,500 for this work. The collected water hyacinth sells in Dhaka for Tk 150 per kg.”
Entrepreneur Sumi Begum added, “I am doing this work with my husband, son, and daughter. An organization in Gazipur is buying raw materials at Tk 150 per kg. I hope income will increase.”
Her husband, Abdullah Sheikh, noted, “I used to have a small shop. It closed because the business wasn't doing well.” He became interested in the venture about three months ago after watching YouTube videos and received help from an acquaintance.
He said, “In the beginning, many people laughed at the idea. But now this work is the main source of income for the family.”
Bagerhat BSCIC Acting Deputy Manager Md Sohag Hossain added, “The initiative to make eco-friendly products using water hyacinth is extremely promising. A plant once viewed as a problem for water bodies is now becoming an economic asset.”
