Success story of a capsicum farmer

SYLHET, July 1: Belal Ahmed Imran of village Ramdhana of Biswanath upazila was awarded Bangabandhu Jatiyo Krishi Podok for contributing in fishery by farming 'local species of Shing and Magur' in 2013. He is the owner of only hatchery of these species' in Sylhet division. Every year, from his 'Dream Hatchery' Belal sells fry of these to Jaipurhat, Khulna, Satkhira, Tangail and Pabna.

However, inspired with Shykh Siraj's TV programme on success story of capsicum farming by a Bogra man, Imran became interested about the exotic vegetable.

Accordingly, he collected seed and cultivated the uncommon vegetable on 40 decimel land, which has already got a bumper yield. Besides, due to use of organic fertiliser, risk of pest attack and disease is less, Belal said, "I always take advice from the agriculture officials and SAU experts."

"Already I have sold 1600 kg worth Tk 0.17 million (Tk 1.7 lakh) in only 45 days from the 4,700 plants. Hopefully, at least 3,500 kg more will be harvested in 2 months. The supply goes to the department store like Swapno and other wholesale traders in Sylhet. Till April I hope to earn Tk 0.4 million, Imran said.

"I spent only Tk 25,000 for the capsicum farming," said a confident Belal, and added "The total sale proceed will be over Tk 0.5 million this year".

Sylhet Agricultrual University (SAU)'s Horticulture department's associate Professor Md. Shahidul Islam said, "Imran has ventured a unique job. We have provided assistance for him establishing a separate demonstration plot for Capsicum farming in front of his house" Islam added, "The man has already inspired a good number of young men on the area."

This year Belal supplied 1500 saplings to a farmer of Mymensingh. "I will produce 5,000 saplings for other people in the coming year", he added.

"Seeing the successful yield already a good number of young men in my area have become ready to follow me," Belal said, and added "Accordingly I will prepare saplings for them in the coming season.

Although the youths in Sylhet region have a common trend to go abroad, especially to the UK, Imran is different. He graduated years ago.

'I see a better prospect in farming rare crops like capsicum, cherry, tomato etc, since these have huge demand in the market'.

Deputy Director Agricultural Extension, Sylhet Md. Khairul Bashar said, "Imran is a modern farmer. We are providing all out assistance to him setting an example in the area."

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