In Khordofulbari village of Palashbari union in Magura's Mohammadpur upazila, a teacher's dream jujube orchard has grown up under close care. Md Sharafatul Alam, an assistant teacher at Bongram Sammilito Secondary School in the upazila, planted 200 jujube trees of various varieties on 75 decimals of land around his home on his own initiative. He is getting good prices from the start, selling the fruit at Tk 70-80 a kg.

He began growing various improved varieties of jujube, and with regular, scientific care the orchard has produced a promising yield. Beyond the fruit, the orchard has become a refuge for many people's dreams and a symbol of inspiration and courage.

"I started growing jujube on my own land beside the house during the coronavirus period. Every year I make a good profit even after costs. The orchard now has Bharat Sundari, Ball Sundari and Kashmiri jujubes. Picking of the Bharat Sundari variety began on 15 December, and the other varieties will reach the market in turn," Md Sharafatul Alam said.

"Jujube is a fruit harvested in the winter season. Coming to the jujube orchard, you can spend time free of tension and full of joy. The fruit of my orchard also feeds countless birds," he said.

Sharafatul Alam added: "If you build a heartfelt relationship with the soil, the crops answer with love. With a little courage, patience and the right care, village soil can change people's fortunes. In future I plan to expand the orchard and produce quality saplings."

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