Khulna farmer makes fortune through arum cultivation

KHULNA, July 06 (UNB): Eighteen years ago Newton Mondal left his job in a jute factory and took up arum farming as an alternative for livelihood. It brought him fortune as he achieved solvency through its cultivation.
Newton, 32, a resident of Ghona Madardanga village in Dumuria upazila of Khulna district, now earns Tk 1.5 to 1.6 million (15-16 lakh) per year that helps him to maintain his family well. Talking to the correspondent, Newton said, "I used to work as a labourer in Daulatpur Popular Jute Mill 18 years back. Due to long stay amidst dust, I used to suffer from various diseases including breathing problem and cough. Then I left jute work and started cultivating arum for the first time on two kathas of land."
At first he brought 200 saplings of from Kalanagar village in Rupsha upazila and earned amount of profit from this, he said.
After gaining profit, he decided to increase cultivation and brought 10-12 bighas of land under taro cultivation, he added.
"Once I was unable to pay the tuition fee of my daughter and failed to feed my family. Then my wife suggested me to cultivate taro. My luck has changed. Now I can feed my family as per their desire. My daughter is now in clash X and I am happy."
This year, he planted 35,000-36,000 saplings on 10-12 bighas of land and within two months of plantation each taro has become 10-12 kg and when it will be harvested after six months, said the farmer.