After completing a diploma in fashion designing, Md. Shimul, 29, struggled to find employment in various offices. Returning home, he launched a small poultry farm, but faced financial setbacks, losing 2.7 million BDT over two years. Undeterred, he explored alternative avenues and, in 2018, inspired by YouTube tutorials and training from Bangladesh Agricultural University, he began farming black soldier flies with a modest investment of just 14,000 BDT.
Within five years, Shimul has expanded his enterprise to include five insect farms, along with his own poultry, duck, and fish farms. Today, he earns approximately 300,000 BDT per month. Initially, locals considered his venture unusual, but he now exports insects to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan.
The farming process is both innovative and sustainable. Shimul feeds the insects on organic waste, poultry droppings, and leftover hotel food. Mother flies are kept in mesh cages and lay eggs in sawdust. After 14–15 days, the eggs hatch into larvae. The production cost per kilogram is around 10 BDT, while the insects sell for 80 BDT. Currently, his farms produce approximately 300 kg of insects daily.
The success of Shimul’s initiative reflects a growing trend across Bangladesh. According to the District Livestock Department, there are nearly 60,000 poultry farms, with numbers steadily increasing, driving demand for black soldier flies. Presently, 280 entrepreneurs in 25 districts are commercially farming the insects, producing roughly 70 tonnes per month.
District Fisheries Officer Dipak Kumar Pal highlighted the nutritional benefits of black soldier flies: while conventional feed contains a maximum of 33% protein, black soldier flies contain 43–55% protein, making them highly desirable in poultry and aquaculture industries. Authorities are encouraging new entrepreneurs to explore this emerging sector.
The following table summarises Shimul’s enterprise and production details:
| Entrepreneur | Investment | Farms Operated | Daily Production | Selling Price per kg | Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Md. Shimul, 29 | 14,000 BDT | 5 insect farms + poultry, duck, fish | 300 kg | 80 BDT | 300,000 BDT |
Shimul’s journey demonstrates how innovation, perseverance, and sustainable practices can transform challenges into profitable ventures, inspiring a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.