Home ›› 16 Dec 2022 ›› Nation
Md Alamgir Miah, a resident of Bishnupor union of Bijoynagar upazila in Brahmanbaria has been enjoying great success in cultivating orange on his 65 decimals of land for the past two years.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) attempts at experimental orange cultivation in the region have failed previously. Hence, this farmer’s successful venture has become an inspiration for many others.
Md Alamgir Miah planted an orange orchard two years ago after returning after 20 years abroad.
“I contacted the farmer after seeing a video of an orange plantation in Chuadanga through YouTube. Later, I visited the garden and took advice from the farmer and brought three varieties of China orange seedlings from there,” he said.
He further said that he leased 65 decimals of land from his uncle and planted 185 saplings. Within two years the orchard has yielded a full harvest.
Alamgir has not sold any oranges in the market but sold 1,000-1,200 kgs of oranges at Tk 170 per kg so far to visitors who came to see his orchard.
“When I first started, many people said that orange cannot be cultivated in this area but I did not listen to naysayers. I have finally achieved success on my own merit,” Alamgir said, adding that he expects to sell about Tk 5 lakh worth of oranges in one season.
As the story of his success spread through social media, it incited quite a stir among locals. Now his orchard has become a site for visitation for travellers and nature lovers.
Kazi Nurjahan, who came to visit the garden from Brahmanbaria city, said there are not enough children’s entertainment centres in the city, nor are there any such open spaces to enjoy nature.
“I brought my young children with me for us to enjoy our time together. With the sweet smell of citrus this orchard full of greenery is a beautiful place to visit with family,” she said.
Meanwhile, many unemployed youths in the area have been inspired by Alamgir’s success and hope to become self-sufficient by planting orange orchards of their own.
Raju Molla, a youth from the same village said, “We have now realized that orange cultivation in this area is profitable and the yield is also very good. If the government provides us with financial aid, many others like me will be able to make use of the fallow lands in the area by cultivating oranges.”
Md Musa Mia, a local farmer said, he has visited Alamgir’s orchard and talked about orange cultivation. “I am interested in planting an orchard on my vacant land, but I do not have sufficient funds for it. If the government gave me incentives or low-interest loans, I will be able to start commercially
cultivating oranges.”
He added that many others like him have also shown interest in cultivating oranges after seeing Alamgir’s success.
Bijoynagar upazila Sub-Assistant Agricultural Officer Md Abdul Odud said the agriculture department’s previous attempts at experimental orange cultivation in the area had previously failed. Alamgir’s successful orange orchard has been a pleasant surprise.
Hadiul Islam, sub-assistant agricultural officer, said the agriculture department is taking on projects to expand orange cultivation in the area.
