Chemical free jujube farming thrives in Shamshernagar
Moulvibazar Correspondent :
Azadur Rahman has set a remarkable example of success by cultivating jujube (boroi) in Shamshernagar, Komolganj Upazila, Moulvibazar, for the past 17 years. His orchard produces jujube entirely without the use of chemicals, and the fruits now meet local demand while being commercially supplied to various parts of the country, including Dhaka and Chattogram. Inspired by his success, many young people in the area are now turning to jujube cultivation.
Azadur Rahman is a resident of Shrisurya Noyagaon village in Patanushar Union, Komolganj Upazila. He is the son of Md. Abdul Jabbar. After completing his master’s degree, instead of pursuing a conventional job, he chose agriculture as his profession. Currently, his orchard cultivates varieties such as Thai Apple Kul, Baukul, Jambukul, Dhaka-90, and Tok Mishti Kul.
A field visit reveals that nearly seven acres of orchard are heavily laden with fruit. The Dhaka-90 variety, in particular, is abundant. Each tree is supported with bamboo stakes to bear the weight of the fruit. To protect against bird attacks, the entire orchard is enclosed with netting. Every day, 20 to 25 workers, including Muslims, are engaged in harvesting and selling the fruits.
Azadur Rahman said, “I invest around 500,000 BDT annually in jujube and flowering plants, and I earn about 600,000 to 700,000 BDT in return.
This season, I have earned the most from cultivating Dhaka-90 and Jambu Kul varieties. Currently, Dhaka-90 and Jambu Kul are sold at 100 BDT per kilogram, while Baukul is sold at 80 BDT per kilogram. Every day, 300 to 500 kg of jujube are harvested from my orchard.”
He added, “I have spent approximately 700,000 BDT to cultivate jujube on 8 acres of land. So far, I have sold about 200,000 BDT worth of jujube.
There is still around 1,000,000 BDT worth of fruit in the orchard. Jujube cultivation provides profit in a short period. In addition to selling jujube, I also produce grafted seedlings and sell various fruit and flowering plants.”
Mamun Ahmed, who came from Moulvibazar Sadar to see the orchard, said, “Every day, people from surrounding areas come to see this orchard. We also bought 10 kg of jujube. The fruits are very delicious. Azadur Rahman has become self-reliant through this orchard, which is an inspiration for us.”
Local student Nazmin, who came to buy jujube, said, “The jujube from the Shamshernagar Air Base area is extremely tasty. That’s why I came from far away to buy it. I purchased about 5 kg for 500 BDT.”
Komolganj Upazila agricultural officer Joyonto Kumar Roy said, “This season, jujube has been cultivated on approximately 20 hectares in Komolganj Upazila.
The climate and soil quality have contributed to a good yield. The jujube in Azadur Rahman’s orchard in Shamshernagar is very sweet and delicious. Seeing his orchard has inspired many unemployed youth to take up jujube cultivation.”
He further added, “Nowadays, farmers are selecting high-quality varieties themselves, which is resulting in better yields. Azadur Rahman’s success in jujube cultivation is no longer just the story of a single orchard; it has become a shining example of the agricultural potential of Komolganj.”