Malta farming gains ground for lucrative price in Raninagar UZ

NAOGAON, Sept 16: Farming of malta, a juicy citrus fruit, has started gaining popularity among the farmers in Raninagar upazila of the district due to its lucrative price and growing demand across the country.

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) sources said around six hectares of land have been brought under BARI-1 variety of malta cultivation in the upazila under supervision of the DAE.

Many regular paddy growers of the area are now switching to malta farming as it has been proved profitable than cultivation of the crop.

One Sarfaraz Khan of Khatteshwar village under the upazila started malta farming on his 15 decimals of land, inspired by the local agriculture officers.

Sarfaraz Khan said, "My trees started bearing fruit about 18 months after plantation. Each of the trees produced up to 10 kg of malta this season. I am selling the sweet fruit at Tk. 70-80 per kg directly from the orchard."

"I hope, the production will be increased by three to four times next year as the malta plants are growing very fast", he added.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Shahidul Islam said the climate and soil of the upazila are suitable for cultivating malta.

Peasants who are interested in setting up this type of fruit orchard are invited to get necessary suggestion and support from our office, Mr. Islam added.

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