Hundreds achieve self-reliance through cultivation in northern region
Hundreds of Bangladeshis, including small and marginal farmers, have achieved self-reliance through commercial cultivation of high-priced and quick-growing fruits in the northern region in recent years.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and non-government organisation (NGO) sources, such farming expanded fast mostly through private initiatives and integrated approaches, bringing a silent revolution in the rural economy.
Over 30,000 families, including the landless, ultra poor and those of distressed women, achieved self-reliance by cultivating these fruits in homesteads, fallow lands and other arable acreage.
With the latest technology and support provided by the DAE, other agro-departments and NGOs were able to expand the cultivation in the region during the past five years.
DAE Horticulture Specialist Khandker Md Mesbahul Islam said the fruits include orange, grape, banana, baukul and applekul (variations of sour plum), papaya, lemon, strawberry, watermelon, wax apple, water caltrop and guava.
Besides, farming of over 70 seasonal and traditional fruits, including 35 indigenous species, are also expanding every year, he added.
Market sources said fruits like baukul and applekul sell at attractive prices while other varieties will be available soon.
Nursery owners Mariyam Nesa, Kajol Hossain, Abdur Rahim and Shafiqul Islam said they earn good profits by selling saplings of such fruits.
Former DAE deputy director Mamunur Rashid said the government has been providing assistance for expanding fruit farming.
DAE Regional Additional Director Sikander Ali predicted that expansion of the cultivation of such fruits, spices and vegetables in homesteads has a bright prospect under the “One House, One Farm” programme.
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