Barishal youth’s dragon fruit farm inspires many

The dragon fruit orchard of Abu Sufian Md Parvez of Barishal has become a source of inspiration for unemployed youths of the region.

Abu Sufian, hailed from Deherhoti union of Babuganj upazila in the district, returned to the country after living in Dubai for many years. He wanted to invest in a long-term income-generating venture and decided to cultivate dragon fruit.

In June 2021, he planted 3,000 dragon fruit saplings on 70 decimals of land. He has already sold 2,100 kg of dragon fruits for around Tk 5 lakh as the trees bore fruits within a year.

“Cultivating dragon fruit is a profitable venture due to its demand and price. If we can produce dragon fruit maintaining international standards, the country can earn a good amount of foreign currency by exporting it,” he said.

Abu Sufian believes that there is less risk of financial loss in the agricultural sector; hence he has opted for dragon fruit farming.

Besides the dragon fruits, he cultivates garlic, onion, strawberry, coriander, squash, and various types of vegetables on his farm.

According to the entrepreneur, he has different varieties of dragon fruit in his orchard including Vietnamese Red, Taiwan Red, Red Velvet, Pink Rose, and Vietnamese Big Giant. So far, he has spent around Tk 15 lakh on the farm.

Many people are regularly visiting Abu Sufian’s farm and taking advice from him on dragon fruit cultivation.

Md Arif Janan, a local youth, said he has learned a lot about mixed cropping methods visiting Abu Sufian’s farm.

“I have learned a lot from him about farming dragon fruit and other crops side by side for more profit. I also want to become self-sufficient by cultivating dragon fruit on my own land,” he said.

Local resident Md Shahidul Islam said Abu Sufian has taught the locals that it is possible to become self-reliant by doing agricultural work instead of hankering after jobs.

He added that the farmer is always eager to help others learn about dragon fruit farming and provides advice if necessary.

Another resident of the locale, Dr Gafur Uddin Manju said that Abu Sufian has motivated the youths of the area in many ways.

“If the youths become interested in agriculture it will solve many socio-economic problems like unemployment or drug abuse. Dragon fruit farming is indeed a profitable venture and we hope its cultivation will expand further,” he said.

Babuganj upazila Agriculture Officer Mamunur Rahman said dragon fruit is cultivated in very few areas of Barishal.

“However, seeing Abu Sufian’s success, a growing number of people are becoming interested in dragon fruit cultivation. Expanding its cultivation will increase production and make the fruit more accessible to all,” he said.

Anyone interested in dragon fruit farming will receive the necessary support from the agriculture department, he added.