JOYPURHAT, Feb 26: Strawberry cultivation is gaining popularity in the district.
Farming of the juicy fruit is expanding due to high profit and demand, said Shahadat Hossain of Sadar upazila.
A DAE official of Raikali union under Joypurhat Sadar said saplings of the fruit can be planted in rows during the period between November and December. The plants start flowering within two months of plantation and fruits can be collected till April.
Each plant bears around 250 to 300 grams of fruit and some 6,000 plants can be grown on one bigha of land.
Sources said a large number of people, mostly unemployed youths, have become self-reliant by farming strawberries as the cultivation procedure is easier and more profitable compared to other Rabi crops.
"I have cultivated the fruit on two bighas of land spending over Tk 50,000 this season", said farmer Harun or Rashid of Sadar upazila. "I expect a good profit this season", he added.
Sources said a farmer can earn around Tk 0.1 million from a bigha of land spending only Tk 20,500.
Strawberry is being sold at Tk 300 to Tk 500 in the retail market. Growers are happy over the present rate.
Deputy director of DAE Suhdundranath Roy said the district has immense prospect to grow the fruits. The department provides all necessary support regarding this.
reporter.fe@gmail.com