Banana farming has grown widely in the border areas of Sherpur, where the hilly, fertile soil is well suited to it. Although it gives a one-off yield, farmers are becoming keen on bananas, especially in Sreebardi upazila, where cultivation has expanded greatly.

About half a crore taka of bananas are bought and sold every day at the upazila's Kalakanda Chowkidar Bari bazar. After meeting local demand, the bananas are supplied to markets across the country, opening new possibilities for farmers in the area.

The market is crowded with wholesale buyers every day, and traders from at least 20 districts take bananas from here. "Sherpur's bananas are in great demand. Because of their good taste and quality, wholesale buyers come regularly," said local trader Rashid Mia.

Farmers' interest is growing because bananas cost less and earn more than other crops. Once the land is prepared and the first seedlings planted, fruit comes within a few months, and with regular care the same land gives several harvests. That is why many border farmers have turned from paddy and other grains to bananas.

"I used to grow paddy, but the profit was low. Bananas bear fruit quickly and the market is good, so now I am growing bananas on all my land," said local farmer Parvez.

According to the agriculture department, bananas have been grown on about 320 hectares in Sreebardi upazila this year, about 90 per cent more than last year. In 2023 bananas were grown on about 170 hectares in the area. Agriculture experts say the rise is mainly due to farmers' growing interest, a profitable market and regular advice from agriculture officers.

Upazila agriculture officials say 1,200 to 1,500 banana plants can be planted per acre, earning an average profit of Tk 2.5 to 3 lakh. With modern methods and good care, a farmer can earn up to Tk 4 lakh an acre.

"Farmers are becoming very interested in bananas because they are profitable. We are giving them the necessary advice and technical support so that production can be increased further," said Sreebardi upazila agriculture officer Sabrina Afrin.

Banana farming is also playing an important role in the local economy of these border areas. Farmers' finances are improving, and market-based jobs have been created in transport, wholesale trade, labour and other sectors.

Those involved say some government steps are needed to keep the progress going, in particular easy-term loans for farmers, effective disease control and the use of modern farm technology. Local people believe that with government support and better farming methods, Sherpur's border area could become one of the country's main banana-producing centres.

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