Instead of chasing jobs, two brothers from Bhennabari village in Gopalganj Sadar upazila, Probir Bakchi and Apurba Bakchi, have overcome unemployment and set an example. They have become self-reliant by growing high-yielding boroi (jujube) on their family land, and their 1,400 boroi trees have caused a stir among agricultural entrepreneurs across the district. The venture began five or six years ago out of an interest in farming, and they have now built a business worth lakhs of taka.

Probir and Apurba first started growing various fruits, but the fruit farming failed because of natural disasters. They did not sit back in despair. Later they were inspired by videos showing that boroi farming could be profitable. After learning how to grow it, they decided to bring seedlings of various boroi varieties from Chuadanga and plant them on their land. They planted the seedlings in 2020 and got the fruit they had hoped for in the very first year. Now the trees hang with boroi of several varieties, including Bharat Sundari, Kashmiri Apple, Ball Sundari and Thai Apple, and this year the yield has been bumper.

Boroi grower Apurba Bakchi said: "We are from a middle-class family. Our father was a cloth trader. He worked very hard to educate us. I sat several job exams but could not catch the golden deer. After passing the age limit, I decided to become self-reliant through farming. So we started fruit farming on 12 bigha of our own land and 10 bigha leased from others. There is also a pond, where we farm prawns and various fish."

He said: "We grow vegetables on the pond banks and plant different boroi varieties on the land. Of these, 600 trees died in natural disasters. Now 800 trees are bearing fruit. About 400 maunds of boroi will be produced this year. About 250 maunds have already been sold, and what is on the trees could sell another 150 maunds. It has sold for Tk 50-200 a kg depending on size. Even at an average of Tk 100, sales will come to Tk 16 lakh. About Tk 10 lakh has already been sold. Excluding our own labour, about Tk 2.5 lakh has been spent. After costs, there is a chance of a profit of about Tk 12-13 lakh."

Probir Bakchi said: "There is huge demand for our boroi in the local market. Wholesalers buy boroi from our field and sell it at markets across the district. We tend the field ourselves, pick the fruit and prepare it for sale. Family members also help, which has sped up the work. So I would say that instead of running after jobs, it is possible to profit by devoting yourself to becoming an entrepreneur."

Shyamal Kanti Biswas of Bhennabari village said: "Apurba and Probir have had great success growing boroi. Seeing their farming, I hope to farm like them in future." Bimal Biswas and Arobindu Sarkar, residents of Satpar village, and Pankaj Mondal, Sadhu Mondal and Probir Dutta of Singa union spoke of similar plans. They also know about the crop and wish to take it up in their own farming.

Dr Mamunur Rahman, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Gopalganj, said the boroi farming venture of Probir and Apurba Bakchi has become an example for local young people. The two brothers have profited well from boroi, and many others are becoming interested after seeing them. Regular training is being arranged for them so that they can get good yields with improved technology and management.

He said: "If the district's farmers grow boroi following sound planning, it will not only bring financial self-reliance but will also help meet nutritional needs. At present boroi is grown on about 90 hectares in various villages of Gopalganj. If this trend continues, many farmers will profit and be able to earn their living through farming."

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