Growers in Porsha, Naogaon, have succeeded with improved Kashmiri and Ball Sundari varieties of kul (jujube), and are pleased with the yields and prices. Because this is the first successful cultivation of the two varieties in the district, many people are now coming to see the orchards. Growers and the agriculture office expect more orchards to be planted.

According to the upazila office of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), temperate and tropical climates suit kul farming. Improved kul varieties are grown commercially on 116 bighas in the upazila.

Hafizul Islam Belal, a young man from Mollapara village in Porsha upazila, became interested in kul farming and searched for saplings in various places, finally collecting them from the Natore bypass. Last August he was the first to lease 7 acres at Khatipur Sonadanga in Chhaor union, planting 1,750 trees each of Kashmiri and Ball Sundari kul.

The trees began to flower just three months after planting, and his fruit has already started reaching the market. Neighbouring farmers are coming to see the orchard, whose kul yields well, looks attractive and tastes good, and many say they want to grow it. It is believed that with full support from the agriculture office, next year's target will be exceeded.

Belal said: "I saw a video report on YouTube about improved Kashmiri and Ball Sundari kul, and then collected saplings. I leased the land for 12 years at Tk 12,000 a bigha. So far I have spent about Tk 8.5 lakh. I have sold about Tk 2 lakh of kul so far, and will sell about Tk 1.5 lakh more. I sell wholesale at Tk 3,200 a maund (Tk 80 a kg)."

"This kul starts reaching the market in late February and finishes by mid-March," he said. "Wholesalers come and take it from the orchard. If the weather is good, the yield will double next time. I will add 10 more bighas, for a total of 30 bighas."

Mojibur Rahman of Gangor village, who leased an orchard, said: "Seeing the flowers on a 19-bigha Ball Sundari orchard, I leased it for one year for about Tk 8 lakh 10 thousand. After three months of care, total costs have come to about Tk 12 lakh. Because of water problems the trees could not grow much. Wholesalers from Chattogram came and bought at Tk 80–120 a kg."

Porsha upazila agriculture officer and agriculturist Mahfuz Alam said: "Farmers are now keen on new crops and fruits in the hope of better prices. Because Kashmiri and Ball Sundari kul give high yields and good prices, we are advising farmers to grow these varieties. We hope the kul target will be exceeded next year."

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