Jhenidah Correspondent:
A dragon fruit orchard at Mundia village in Kaliganj upazila under the district attracts a good number of visitors, especially youths.

Borhan Khan, 45, of Pukuria village under the upazila has cultivated dragon fruit on 33 decimals of leased land at Mundia village, being inspired by agriculturist Dr Rostom Ali.

The fruit, cultivated in different Asian countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, was recently introduced in Bangladesh.

“After collecting the plants from Dr Rostom, I planted those in February 2014. I have set 145 pillars at the plot and 4/5 plants are planted around each pillar. It cost me a total of Tk 1 lakh 54 thousand,” said Borhan.

“Generally fruits appear within 18 months. I have started harvesting the fruits and selling it in the market at Tk 350 per kg. I have already got Tk 1.50 lakh by selling the fruit.

“Each plant will provide 15/20 kg of fruit each summer and continue yielding for around 15 years.

“Many local youths have expressed willingness to grow dragon fruit. I want to help them cultivate this costly fruit that earns good profit,” Borhan said.

Jahid Hossain of Chatiantala under Jessore Sadar upazila said he will collect dragon plants from Borhan and cultivate it in the next season as it seems profitable.

Raigram union parishad Chairman Jahurul Islam said farming of foreign fruits attracts the youths to be self employed and he will assist the growers in such initiatives.

“Dragon fruit is delicious and nutritious. The fibrous fruit is rich in vitamin B and C,” said Dr Altaf Hossain of Kaliganj health complex.

Source: The Daily Star