There is a growing demand for citrus fruits in the country. These fruits are full of Vitamin C and some Vitamin-A and Vitamin-B are also there. The presence of calcium and iron are also there. All these are essential for the human body irrespective of age. Thus citrus fruits are natural sources of Vitamin C and anyone can easily get the required Vitamin C by regularly consuming these fruits. During the pandemic, health experts have suggested consuming more citrus fruits to boost immunity against the coronavirus infection.
The popular citrus fruits include lemon, lime, orange and malta. Various types of lemon and lime are available almost throughout the year. Orange and malta are mostly available during the pre-winter and winter seasons. Nevertheless, it is possible to increase the production of citrus fruits. The fruit farmers in the north-Bengal and Sylhet regions need some effective support in this connection. Already some initiatives have been taken to promote citrus fruit production in the Rajshahi division including its vast Brind tract. The soil of Brind region and the climatic condition is suitable for citrus fruit farming. Women and tribal farmers are also being involved with farming orange, mandarin and citrus through training. Hopefully, the production of citrus fruits will increase in the near future.
Dulal Ahmed
Rajshahi