Jahangir Alam has succeeded with mixed mango cultivation for the first time in Pakundia, Kishoreganj. The entrepreneur grew several varieties entirely organically on unused land in front of his house. These mangoes will reach the market out of season, when no other mangoes are available, so demand should be good, and they are expected to sell at more than Tk 400 a kg.

Jahangir Alam, 56, of Sriramdi village in Pakundia municipal area, grew BARI-4, Banana Mango and American Red Palmer entirely organically on 9 decimals of unused land in front of his house, entirely on his own initiative. Including filling the land with earth, the orchard cost Tk 40,000-50,000. He collected the saplings from a government nursery. With the crop he has had in the first year, Jahangir hopes to make a profit.

In the orchard, mangoes of three colours hang from the trees: light brown, pale raw-turmeric yellow and green, in clusters, and the orchard is full of green fruit. The fruit has been bagged to protect it from pests, and some bags have been opened again.

Jahangir Alam said: "I had long wanted an orchard, so I made this one on 9 decimals of unused land in front of my house. There are 180 trees, with BARI-4, Banana Mango and American Red Palmer. On the upazila agriculture office's advice I used no pesticide at all and farmed completely organically, so these mangoes can be called completely poison-free."

He said the orchard cost Tk 40,000-50,000 in all, and with this crop he expects to profit. "Many people have already ordered mangoes. I don't think I'll have to take them to market; people will collect them from the orchard. Anyone who wants an orchard in their yard can do well by taking the agriculture office's advice."

Pakundia upazila agriculture officer, agriculturist Nur-e-Alam, said producing safe crops is a challenge. "We have seen fruit quality spoiled in orchards where farmers use a lot of pesticide. In this orchard the farmer has used a great many fruit bags. Those trying to produce safe mangoes can use fruit bags instead of pesticide."

He said three varieties have been grown in the orchard and the yield is excellent. These mangoes will ripen and reach the market when no other mangoes are available, and because they are late varieties the farmer will profit well. The agriculture department is standing by farmers with advice, he said.

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