Bangladesh: 5,000 farmers self-reliant through fruit growing

More than 5,000 fruit farmers in Bogra district has become self-reliant in recent years, due to the sharp rise in fruit cultivation there. The farmers are earning a decent wage from growing different seasonal fruits including banana, lemon, papaya, mango, jackfruit and litchi year-round and are receiving support from local agriculture offices. 

Horticulture Specialist Tahirul Islam of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) said that the constant expansion of fruit cultivation, mostly through private sector initiatives, is bringing a silent revolution in the rural economy. The agriculture-related departments, institutes and research organisations are providing the necessary support and the initiatives taken so far have proved to be effective in expanding cultivation of fruits in the orchards, homesteads and fallow lands, he added. 

When contacted, DAE office source said the farmers and common people produced 900 tonnes of litchi worth over Tk 2 million in their orchards and homesteads during the current season in the region. Besides, they are also producing a huge amount of banana, papaya, jujube, jackfruit, blackberry, strawberry, guava, melon and other indigenous fruits worth Tk 8 million annually in the region, source added.