Photo: Messenger
The bucolic landscape of Jashore is undergoing a remarkable transformation as a new generation of entrepreneurs embraces strawberry farming, capitalizing on the burgeoning demand for this exotic fruit. According to agricultural officials, the cultivation of strawberries on a small scale, initially introduced around 2007-08, has seen a steady rise in production, particularly since 2017.
One such trailblazer in this agrarian revolution is Rajin Ahmed Ranju, an enterprising agriculturalist from Satmail village in Baganchra union of Sharsha upazila. Ranju's success story epitomizes the potential profitability of strawberry cultivation on previously unused land. With meticulous planning and investment, he has converted fallow land into a thriving strawberry plantation, yielding high-value produce.
Ranju's venture began with the planting of 2300 saplings on a 14th-century plot. The fruits of his labor ripen in the first week of January, fetching prices ranging from Tk 300 to Tk 400 per kilogram in local markets. Remarkably, the initial investment for cultivating strawberries on this land amounted to a modest 50 to 60 thousand taka, with weekly yields averaging between 20 to 25 kilograms.
Employing innovative techniques and drawing inspiration from resources like the Department of Agriculture and online platforms such as YouTube, Ranju opted for a high-yielding variety known as the American Festival Strawberry. The vivid red berries, nestled amidst lush green foliage, not only captivate with their appearance but also boast a tantalizing aroma and rich flavor.
Ranju's pioneering success has ignited enthusiasm among local farmers, who flock to witness the spectacle of crimson strawberries dotting the landscape. Inspired by his achievements, many are eager to replicate his model, seeking guidance and purchasing seedlings for their own ventures. Farmers in the region are optimistic about the prospects of cultivating strawberries, citing its potential for greater profitability compared to traditional crops, especially if provided with access to superior Hawaiian seedlings.
Reflecting on this agricultural renaissance, Deepak Kumar Saha, the Agriculture Officer of Sharsha Upazila, notes that approximately 25 percent of the land in the area is now dedicated to strawberry cultivation. Despite the absence of government incentives for this particular crop, agricultural authorities remain committed to supporting farmers through guidance and advice. Fieldworkers tirelessly engage with farmers, providing essential recommendations and fostering a conducive environment for agricultural innovation.
As the allure of strawberry farming continues to captivate the imaginations of young entrepreneurs in Jashore, it heralds a promising future for sustainable agriculture, economic prosperity, and culinary delight in the region. With each harvest, these crimson gems not only enrich the soil but also the lives of those who dare to cultivate them, embodying the spirit of innovation and prosperity in Bangladesh's agricultural heartland.
Messenger/Fardin
