Young farm entrepreneur Md Asif Awal Utsho has planted the Nepali Sagar banana on 25 bighas at Kazihata village in Dharampur union, Bheramara upazila, Kushtia. He says his first harvest returned twice what it cost, and his orchard has become a draw for local farmers.
Asif brought plantlets from Madhupur in Tangail and began growing the variety commercially, expanding after a good first crop. Large bunches, an attractive colour and good taste keep the variety in demand, he says, and one planting yields three harvests from the same land, which leaves more room for profit. He expects two more harvests from the current planting.
Besides Nepali Sagar, he grows the Sabri, Champa, Chini Champa and G-9 varieties. His bananas go to local markets and to Dhaka and other districts.
Jahangir Alam, who looks after the orchard, said that as bunches grow heavy the plants need bamboo or stick props to stop them leaning in the wind or snapping, along with regular fertiliser, disease checks and care. Local farmer Abdur Razzak said bananas pay better than rice, which is why many in the area are turning to them, and the orchards also give local people work.
Sub-assistant agriculture officer Md Sadrul Islam said banana growing is spreading in Bheramara and the agriculture department keeps in regular touch with Asif. Upazila agriculture officer Mosa. Mahmuda Sultana Poly said officers are working in the field on growers' problems and urging farmers not to ripen bananas with carbide or other toxic chemicals.
Agricare24 credits the report to Rising BD.
Photo: The Roving Rokibul / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Source: Agricare24
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