Agricultural entrepreneur Mahmud Al Imran has achieved commercial success by cultivating the ‘BARI-1’ variety of Malta in Bheramara Upazila, Kushtia.
By applying modern farming techniques across eight bighas of leased land in Ramchandrapur village, Imran (48) established a thriving orchard that now draws local visitors, buyers and prospective farmers.
Initially discouraged by skeptics who considered Malta farming too risky, Imran persevered after sourcing saplings from Maheshpur in 2022. Last year, his maiden commercial harvest generated nearly Tk.8 lakh. This year, favorable weather and proper orchard maintenance have boosted yield with expected sales reaching Tk.10 to 12 lakh.
Imran noted that locally grown Malta offers superior taste and quality compared to imported sweet oranges, with wholesale buyers purchasing the harvest by the maund.
Agriculture officials in Bheramara provide regular monitoring, technical guidance and advice on pest control and fertilizer application. Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Saiful Islam highlighted that the harvest season runs through September and October.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Mahmuda Sultana Poly commended Imran’s success also noting that his orchard serves as an encouraging model for local youth. Given that Malta is rich in Vitamin C and requires modest investment also local authorities hope its expanded cultivation will generate employment and boost the rural economy.
