Md Afzal Sheikh, 36, is a well-known name in Kalapatua village of Jamalpur union in Kaliganj upazila, Gazipur. Behind the reputation of this young man, once a migrant worker in Malaysia, lies a story of struggle, dreams and courage.

In 2018 Afzal worked as a painter in Malaysia. Although he had gone abroad to earn a living, he was not doing very well. At one point he decided to return home. What would he do back in the country? How would he support his family? The questions troubled him.

While abroad, he became interested in a foreign fruit called rambutan after watching videos on YouTube. He began learning how the fruit, popular in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, is grown. He returned home at the end of 2018, bringing with him just four rambutan saplings.

He planted the four trees in the yard of his house. One did not survive; the rest did. To make a living he went back to work as a painter while looking after the trees. The yield was disappointing for the first few years, but he did not give up. He contacted the local agriculture office and experts and began caring for the trees on the agriculture officer's advice.

That effort paid off. This year his three rambutan trees have produced a bumper crop. Wholesale and retail buyers crowd his house every day, and the fruit sells at Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,500 a kg. He also earns from selling saplings: many interested farmers have collected saplings from him and started growing rambutan. Afzal Sheikh is no longer just a former migrant or painter but a successful agricultural entrepreneur.

Although it looks rather like a lychee, rambutan's hairy skin and different taste set it apart. Demand for the nutritious fruit is growing across the country, and its cultivation has opened new possibilities in Bangladesh. Local people said: "Afzal Sheikh is a unique example of dreams, courage and dedication. He is spreading the lessons of his own life in society. His journey is not just one person's; it could be an inspiring story for every young person in Bangladesh."

Afzal Sheikh said: "I am where I am today on the basis of planning, patience, regular care and hard work. At first it was only a hobby. I never thought it would one day become my main source of income. Besides rambutan, I have also planted several other foreign fruit trees, including Malaysian durian and African noni. I want to grow on a larger scale in future."

He has not only changed his own fortunes but is encouraging many young people into agricultural enterprise, supplying saplings and giving training. "I want rambutan farming to spread to more parts of the country. It is not only profitable but will help change people's attitude to farming. If young people come into this sector, unemployment will fall considerably," he said.

Kaliganj upazila agriculture officer Farzana Taslim, an agriculturist, said: "Bangladesh's soil and climate are quite suitable for growing rambutan. We are ready to give those who are interested all kinds of support, including training. If young returnees like Afzal Sheikh come forward with such initiatives, there will be a new revolution in agriculture. This is not just a personal success but a positive example for the country's economy."

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