Bumper jackfruit production likely in Panchagarh

A bumper production of jackfruit is expected in the district as the tender fruit is now growing excellent amid favourable climatic condition this season.

 A bumper production of jackfruit is expected in the district as the tender fruit is now growing excellent amid favourable climatic condition this season, officials and experts said.

A dramatic turn has taken place in farming the juicy fruit as hundreds of farmers here have become financially solvent through it in recent year.

According to Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources, a total of 1200 hectares of land have been brought under jackfruit cultivation this year with a production target of 14,500 tonnes in all five upazilas of the district.

Abdul Malek, a jackfruit grower of Bodapara village under Debiganj upazila, said he is expecting a bumper yield of jackfruit from his one acre orchard. He also expects to earn Taka 80,000.

Meanwhile, jackfruit wholesalers from different parts of the country have started flocking to the area as the harvesting season is approaching.

 There are 200 jackfruit trees in my orchard. The production rate is higher than that of last year. I am expecting to earn Taka 150 lakh from the orchard, said Motiar Rahman of Debiganj upazila.

Jackfruit farming is gradually gaining popularity in Panchagarh district ,said Md Rias Uddin, deputy director of DAE, Panchagarh.

 We are inspiring growers to cultivate jackfruit by giving technical support, he said.

Many farmers alleged due to lack of proper marketing policy, the middlemen or wholesaler will make extra profits depriving them of the fair price.

 They urged the government to take proper marketing policy of jackfruits for the sake of the farmers.