A jackfruit tree in Khagrachhari. Photo: Jasim Majumder

Farmers are in joyous mood as they are expecting bumper production of jackfruits this year following favourable weather as well as suitable hilly soil for cultivation.
Jackfruits are being cultivated on 5560 hectares of hill land for business purposes at eight upazilas in the hill district, District Agriculture Extension office (DAEO) sources said. At least 2.35 lakh matric tons of jackfruits will grow this season, sources said.
Besides, each farmer has at least 15 to 20 trees at a jackfruit orchard where a tree would bear at least 50 to 100 jackfruits that is sufficient for meeting their family demand, sources said.
Minu Chakma, a jackfruit farmer from Bhaibonchhara under Sadar upazila said he has 10 acres of land for jackfruit orchard. He expects at least 100 jackfruits from each tree.
Farmers Chiranjib Tripura of Barapara said he has 50 acres of land for a jackfruit orchard and also expect bumper production.
DAE officer Mohammad Abdul Malek said the weather and soil is suitable for jackfruit cultivation here this year.
Moreover, a tree is able to bear jackfruit for over 50 years. So the farmers would be benefited from jackfruit firm, he said.
Malek said farmers will make profit more than 80 percent from jackfruits if they are supplied in other districts and a juice plant is set up here
When contacted over phone District Council Chairman Ruhity Karbary said Khagrachhari Hill District Council (KHDC) always welcome investment in Khagrachhari for setting up factories. He said all facilities and assistance will be given those who come here for investment.
“I invite investors to set up juice factory, mills or cold storage here,” he said.