Bumper lemon production in Srimangal
Indigenous farmers of the hilly areas in Srimangal upazila of the district got a bumper production of lemons, which are well-known in the country for their taste and juiciness.
According to statistics of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), lemons were cultivated in the upazila on 1,625 hectares of hilly land this year, and on 1,608 hectares last year. The yield was 44,883 tonnes this year and 42,697 tonnes last year.
The most popular varieties of lemon are kagoji, jara, jhuta, china, elachi, beej-shunya, and sharboti, and most of the total demand for lemon of the country is met from the upazila.
Growers said they have been cultivating lemon at Tipracherra, Jerin, Harincherra, Biddabeel, Alubari, Kalacherra, Fulcherra, Longlia, Modonmohonpur, Sisilbar, Kanlenji villages since Pakistan period.
Farmer Nibash Nayek, 29, of Harincherra tea garden in the upazila said he has expanded his lemon cultivation after getting very good profit last year.
Jonok Tripura of Tipracherra is known as a good lemon-grower in the area. “People, especially marginal farmers, are being benefited by lemon farming in this area,” he said, adding that lemon cultivation is his traditional work started from the time of his forefathers.
Locals said traders from outside the district are coming to the village every day to buy lemon. At present, 1,000 lemons are sold for Tk 1,200 and Tk 2,000 in the wholesale market in Srimangal Puran Bazaar.
Chairman of Rajghat Union Parishad Bijoy Bunarji said a lot of farmers have become solvent within two or three years. Many have built houses, many have bought more land and many are sending their kids to school.
Deputy Director of DAE in Moulvibazar Md Shahjahan said though small in size, the locally produced lemon is very tasty, adding that the DAE is providing necessary assistance to the growers to make lemon cultivation a success, he added.
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