What seemed like an unused rooftop of a government office building has been transformed into a thriving vegetable farm — all thanks to the initiative of Ali Ahmed, Upazila Agriculture Officer of Jhalakathi Sadar.

On Friday morning, a visit to the rooftop of the Upazila Agriculture Training Centre revealed rows of flourishing fruit and vegetable plants neatly arranged in tubs, drums, and even recycled bottles. Mango, malta, lemon, papaya, and sapodilla trees shared space with native vegetables like okra, bitter gourd, snake gourd, cucumber, and bottle gourd. The rooftop now resembles a mini farm, vibrant with fresh, healthy produce.

Speaking to THE BANGLADESH EXPRESS, Ali Ahmed said, “This rooftop had been abandoned for years. I thought, why not make it productive through farming? It would utilize the space and inspire others as well.”

He started collecting tubs, drums, and containers on his own initiative and began planting. Today, the entire rooftop stands as a living example of purposeful use of idle space.

Importantly, Ali Ahmed ensures that no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used in his rooftop garden. Instead, he relies solely on organic compost and vermicompost, making the harvest completely safe and toxin-free.

People from different parts of the district visit the rooftop daily — some to take photos, some seeking advice, and many inspired to start similar green projects on their own rooftops.

“I wish every rooftop in the town turns green. It will not only meet family needs but also help protect the environment,” said Ali Ahmed.

Agriculture experts believe that rooftop gardening could become a sustainable solution for urban farming, especially as open spaces in cities are rapidly shrinking. Besides contributing to food security, rooftop gardens help reduce air pollution, regulate temperature, and support environmental protection.

Observers say this personal initiative by a government official like Ali Ahmed has set a new example for sustainable urban agriculture in Bangladesh.