Dragon farming begins at Dusar beel in Gopalganj

GOPALGANJ, Sept 05: The cultivation of nutritious dragon fruit has begun on an experimental basis at Dusar beel under Kasiani upazila in the district.

Efajul Islam, a young farmer of Dusar village, said dragon fruit is a nutritious fruit which is hugely grown in Thailand.

But, he has collected its plant from Chuadanga and began its cultivation on an experimental basis on his 52 decimal of land in November 2022.

"But I think this new origin fruit (dragon) farming for feature bright economic possibility for farmers in our country." The farmer also said he has already sold dragon fruit and its plants worth about Tk 0.30 million.

"I'll get 40 maunds of dragon fruit from my field every year, which market price is Tk 3,20,000. One maund is being sold at Tk 8,000."

A total of 4.75 hectares of land have been brought under dragon cultivation in the district on an experimental basis. About 100 farmers are involved in this cultivation, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Gopalganj.

Pinki Sen Rimi, sub-assistant agriculture officer (SAAO), Ratoil union under Kasiani upazila in Gopalganj, said, "Although dragon fruit is not of our country. It grows well on high and plan land. I think farmers may be more benefited from its farming."

Pinki said per kilogram (kg) is being sold at Tk 200 to 220 in local markets. Dragon fruit has a bright possibility in this region.

Kazi Ezazul Karim, Upazila Agriculture Officer (UAO), Kasiani upazila in Gopalganj district, told the FE that soil and weather is favourable and huge possibility for farmers here which got from its produce.

"A dragon tree continuing delivered fruits six to eight months but the trees did not delivered any fruits around winter season, UAO more added its fungal disease is major disease for life duration. A tree life time continuing till five years after planting and there is not planting further," UAO Ezazul said.

Abdul Kadir Sarder, deputy director (DD), Agriculture, Khamarbari in Gopalganj, told the FE that dragon fruit farming is increasing day by day for huge profits.

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