A week-long tree fair has begun in Bagerhat, and Saudi Arabian date palm saplings are catching visitors' eyes. Interest is centred on saplings of the Mariam, Eklas, Ajwa and Khalas varieties.
The district's popular "Shatgambuj Saudi Khejur Nursery" has brought the saplings to the fair. Many say they are not just trees but a name for opportunity.
The fair began in Bagerhat on 15 July. A visit on Saturday afternoon found that among more than 200 species of fruit, timber and medicinal plants, the Saudi date saplings were drawing the most attention, with visitors and buyers showing great interest in the Mariam, Eklas, Ajwa and Khalas varieties.
The nursery's pitch
The report names the nursery that brought the date saplings, one much talked about in the district, as "Shatgambuj Saudi-Tojuri Nursery" at this point. Its director, Sheikh Abdul Halim, said: "I have been working with Saudi dates since 2018 and take part in the tree fair every year. This time too we are getting a good response. Although it is a desert tree, it is fruiting in our environment with care. It bears fruit within three to four years. I am selling saplings for Tk 300 to Tk 500."
He said his nursery sells 60 to 70 saplings a day and also sends them to various districts of the country.
Abdul Halim said that if 100-120 trees are planted on 52 decimals of land, it is possible to earn lakhs of taka a year. It could be a profitable and promising venture for unemployed young people.
Buyers try their luck
Lamia Sultana, who came to buy plants, said she was surprised to see Saudi date saplings at the fair. "I never thought such saplings would be available here in Bagerhat."
Md Kamal Hossain, a visitor, said: "The date nursery is much talked about in Bagerhat this time. Many say these trees are giving good yields in our area. I bought one."
Taleb Sheikh, who came from Rampal, said: "I was coming to Bagerhat and saw the tree fair was on. I went in and saw Saudi date saplings being sold. I bought two. I've seen on Facebook that these saplings are in high demand. I'll buy two and see; if they yield well, I'll start commercially."
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
Comments
(0)