Lakshmipur is witnessing an agricultural transformation, spearheaded by the dedication and success of young entrepreneur Md. Azim Bhuiyan. After an initial venture abroad in 2013, Azim returned home, channeling his efforts into agriculture and establishing a thriving local malta (sweet orange) orchard that is now inspiring the entire district.
Azim, the son of Shah Newaz Bhuiyan from Lakshmipur Municipality’s Ward No. 15, is the successful founder of Bhuiyan Fruits. Azim established the orchard in 2017 on 10 acres of land in the Hajimara area of Char Banshi Union. He began with 3,000 Bari-1 variety malta seedlings, investing approximately 75 lakh taka initially.
While the yield was modest in 2021, the venture saw a massive yield and benefit starting from 2022. Azim proudly stated that his local malta has become a "brand in Lakshmipur," known for being very sweet and juicy.
Azim reports an estimated annual income of 10–12 lakh taka from his malta cultivation. He further specified that it is possible to earn 8–10 lakh taka every year, excluding expenses. He is selling his quality fruit directly from the garden for 100–120 taka per kg, meeting a high demand due to its delicious quality. Azim's success is not static; he is expanding and motivating others, he has recently expanded his cultivation, starting a malta orchard on seven more acres of land.
He has committed to providing cooperation and support to any other local individual willing to start their own malta garden, effectively fostering new entrepreneurship.
The fame and good yields of his garden have spread throughout Lakshmipur, causing others to lean towards malta cultivation, thus creating a "revolution" in the region.
The District Agricultural Extension Department (DAED) confirms the growing importance of malta cultivation, according to DAED, malta is now cultivated on 40 hectares of land in the district, yielding 440 metric tons of fruit.
The total market value of this production is estimated at 3 crore 52 lakh taka. Approximately 1,200 farmers in the district are now involved in malta cultivation to varying degrees.
Agronomist Zahir Ahmed, Deputy Director of DAED, highlighted that they are actively encouraging farmers to cultivate domestic fruits like malta to counter the high prices of foreign fruits. He lauded Azim Bhuiyan for his revolutionary role, confirming that the DAED is cooperating with the increasing number of interested farmers.
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