Home ›› 06 Nov 2021 ›› Nation
The commercial cultivation of Malta is gaining momentum among farmers in several upazilas of Moulvibazar after showing promise of lucrative returns.
According to the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), farmers harvested around 670 tonnes of the fruit from 514 orchards on 103 hectares of land throughout the district this season. Selling each kilogramme of malta for Tk 120, they earned about Tk 8.40 crore.
The number of malta orchards was 339 last year, stretching over 79 hectares of land, said DAE sources, adding that around 175 new malta orchards were established in 2021 so far. Malta farming has created employment opportunities for hundreds of people in the district.
One of the most successful malta farmers in this region is Md Jakir Hossain, a resident of Golsha village of Barlekha upazila who expects to sell 3,000 kgs of malta this year from his 120 malta trees located on 40 decimals of land.
Speaking with The Business Post, Jakir said, “I started cultivating malta oranges along with other fruits in 2015. I had just returned from Saudi Arabia that year and began fruit cultivation on 20 decimals of land.
“I got the most yield from malta among the other fruits, such as orange, litchi, mango, grapefruit, and pomegranate. Therefore, upon receiving support from the local DAE office, I focused on the commercial cultivation of malta. I have been receiving a good yield since then.”
Jakir initially received a yield of only 40 kgs from two of his trees and 200 kgs from the same trees the following year.
He continued, “Not only the wholesale vendors from other districts come to my orchard to buy the fruit, but local residents also visit me and get fresh fruits from my orchard. I usually sell malta for Tk 120 – Tk 135 per kg.
“Malta trees are susceptible to pest attacks, but I am getting good production after using pesticides recommended by the DAE.”
After being inspired by Jakir Hossain, many farmers of the region adopted commercial malta cultivation.
Saidur Rahman, a resident of the Surikandi area, said that he visits Jakir’s malta orchard at least once a month, and he is thinking of establishing his malta orchard in the near future.
Reiterating the same, Nazrul Islam, Eno Miah, and Akbar Ali, who adopted commercial malta farming, said they have planted high-yield varieties of malta seeds on the backyards of their homes and expects a good yield after the trees mature.
Debol Sarker, an agricultural officer of Barlekha upazila, said they regularly inspect the orchards and provide necessary support to the farmers.
Kazi Lutful Bari, deputy director of Moulvibazar DAE, said, “If any farmer wants to establish their malta orchard, we will provide them with all kinds of help, including technical assistance, incentives, and loans.
“If more farmers opt for the commercial cultivation of the fruit, the unemployment and poverty-related problems in the district can be eradicated.”
Dilip Kumar Adhikary, additional director of DAE, Sylhet region, said malta is a good source of vitamin C that helps growth and repair of all body tissues, and protects against diseases caused by vitamin C deficiency like anaemia, joint pain, bleeding gums and loss of teeth.
He added, “It helps boost the immune system and fights against infections. The commercial cultivation of this citrus fruit can meet the domestic need and decrease dependency on imports.
“If we can produce more, we can easily export it to various countries, and boost our export earnings.”
