Eggshell fortuneJoypurhat entrepreneur turns trash into prosperity

Entrepreneur Belal Molla, a resident of Beltoli village in Joypurhat Sadar Upazila, has transformed discarded eggshells into a profitable venture, changing his own fortune while creating employment and contributing to environmental protection.

Belal established a small factory in 2024 to produce powder from eggshells collected from hatcheries and poultry farms. The powder, rich in calcium and other nutrients, is being used as a supplement in fish, poultry, and cattle feed, as well as an organic fertiliser for crops.

“I started by collecting eggshells from hatcheries for plants and later discovered they could be turned into powder and sold,” Belal said.

“Now I have five people working in my factory. The demand is so high that I cannot keep up. Currently, I supply this powder to 15 districts, including Joypurhat," he added.

Workers at the factory said the process is simple but impactful. “We clean the eggshells, put them into machines, and the powder is prepared. From here, it is marketed to different places. Our families are living well with the salaries we earn,” said Abdul Khalek, one of the workers.

Local residents praised the initiative. Habib Hasan of Jamalganj remarked, “I never thought eggshells could be of any use. Now they are being turned into fish feed and fertilisers.”

Another villager, Biplob Hossain, said, “This not only protects the environment but also creates jobs for the unemployed.”

Farmers are also reaping the benefits. Makbul Hossain, a fish farmer from Madai village, said, “I mixed eggshell powder with fish feed and noticed that the fish grew faster than usual.”

Experts believe the initiative has significant potential. Rafsia Jahan, agriculture officer of Joypurhat Sadar upazila, explained that eggshells contain calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and other elements beneficial to crops.

“If the exact composition of Belal’s powder can be tested, it can be used even more effectively. There is scope for further research,” she noted.

Dr Ziaur Rahman, livestock officer of Joypurhat Sadar upazila, said the innovation addresses two major concerns at once. “Joypurhat is a poultry-dominated area where large quantities of eggshells were once wasted. By turning them into powder, pollution is reduced, and at the same time, essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc are made available for farming and feed. Earlier, we had to import these minerals, but local production can help reduce imports.”

“Belal’s work has turned discarded shells into a valuable resource, creating new opportunities in the local economy. What was once considered waste is now turning into wealth in Joypurhat. His initiative is now seen as a symbol of sustainable economic and social development in Joypurhat”, he added.