Journalist and entrepreneur Mohammad Helal Uddin has drawn attention by turning an abandoned brickfield on the bank of the Dakatia river, next to Shahtali bazar in Chandpur Sadar upazila, into a modern fruit orchard. His farm, Fruits Valley Agro, now grows 75 foreign and high-value mango varieties and has become a centre of interest for farming enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and visitors.

On entering the farm, visitors see more than 300 mango trees in rows, with mangoes hanging in clusters from trees of all sizes. To protect the fruit from insects and ensure safe production, pots and plastic covers have been placed over the fruit. The entrepreneur says this allows mangoes to be grown free of chemicals and poison.

Most of the mangoes are still ripening, and harvesting will begin within the next 10-15 days, he said. As the season approaches, visitors come from far away every day, buying tickets to see the orchard.

"I am growing high-quality, high-value fruit saplings collected from different countries," Helal Uddin said. "The biggest thing is that an abandoned, uncultivated brickfield has been turned into a modern farm. We have at least 30 varieties of the world's most expensive mangoes in our collection, and this year we are growing 75 varieties on a trial and commercial basis."

The varieties include Valencia Pride, Lemon Zest, Bailey's Marvel, Rosa, Sunset, King of Chakapat, Ataulfo, Carabao, Alphonso, Glenn, Haden, Maya, Sensation, Austin, Austin Gold, R2E2, Kensington Pride, Tommy Atkins, Red Ivory, Miyazaki, Kent, Keitt, Palmer, Kesar, Pusa Ambika, Pusa Arunima, Pusa Surya, Mallika, Totapuri, Nam Dok Mai, Golden Nam Dok Mai, Mahachanok, Carrie, Katimon, Brunei King, Francis, Thai Kachamitha, Gourmoti and BARI-4, along with many other popular and rare local and foreign types.

"Last year I earned about Tk 6 lakh selling 57 varieties," he said. "This year the yield is a little lower, but the number of varieties has risen to 75, so I again hope to earn Tk 5-6 lakh. With technical help and advice from the Department of Agricultural Extension, the yield could rise further."

Visitors Zahidul Islam and Md Sabuj said they had never seen so many kinds of mango in one place. "We are impressed by the orchard, the variety of mangoes and the entrepreneur's warmth. We got to taste different varieties, and it has made us want to work in farming too."

Mohammad Abu Taher, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Chandpur, said foreign mangoes are mainly suited to the climate and soil of their own countries, but many people are now growing them to create new opportunities. Because of Bangladesh's soil and climate, foreign varieties may differ somewhat in taste and sweetness, so proper planning and care are vital for commercial success.

Mango trees usually flower in January and February, he said. This year excessive heat, and in some cases poor care, may reduce yields a little, but regular care, balanced fertiliser and modern management would raise output. The DAE is giving farmers the advice and support they need.

The project, which turned an abandoned brickfield into an orchard of 75 foreign mango varieties, has opened a new possibility for farming in Chandpur and become an inspiring example for young entrepreneurs.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.