Dinajpur: Young agriculture entrepreneur Taibur Rahman Laju, 38, from Phulbari upazila, has become a role model for unemployed youths by becoming self-reliant through innovative agricultural practices. Laju earns approximately Tk eight to 10 lakhs annually from cultivating various crops and fruits on his agricultural lands.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Laju, a graduate and son of retired army personnel Md. Akbar Ali from Daulatpur village, has inspired many educated unemployed youth from surrounding villages. These youths seek his advice on how to engage successfully in agricultural work. Laju's background in a rural environment since childhood has fostered a deep connection with the soil and agriculture of his village.
After taking over family responsibilities following his father's retirement, Laju, who is a father of two, ventured into agriculture on his ancestral land. Despite his commitments, he resumed his education and completed his graduation last year. His annual earnings from the land have been substantial, ranging from Tk eight to 10 lakhs, thanks to the cultivation of various crops.
Over the past three years, Laju has been learning crop cultivation techniques, including the experimental cultivation of 'Kachur Lati' on 30 percent of his land, which initially cost him Tk 45,000. He has already sold part of the crop for about Tk 30,000 to 35,000 and expects to earn an additional Tk 2-2.5 lakhs. Moreover, he plans to sell 'Kochu' and seedlings after the harvest.
In addition to 'Kachur Lati', he has established an orchard with 230 Gaurmati mango trees and 600 guava trees on 77 percent of his land, along with 360 Bari-4 mango trees on another 75 percent. He also cultivates ginger in 1,200 sacks within the mango garden, contributing to his earnings, including Taka 1.5 lakh from mango sales this season.
Laju's agricultural endeavors also include local fruits like Sharifa and papaya, with successful sales totaling Tk 80,000 from papayas. His plantation includes 200 plum trees, a banana garden, and a cattle farm, alongside a facility for producing vermicompost using cow dung. To ensure security, he has installed CCTV cameras on the premises.
His family, including his wife Touhida Begum and son Toufiq Elahi, actively participate in the agricultural work. Laju also receives technical advice from the Upazila Agriculture Office and plans to expand 'Kachur Lati' cultivation on an additional acre of land.
Local leaders, such as Union Parishad Chairman Md. Badrul Amin, note Laju's impact on the community, inspiring women and educated youths to pursue agriculture. UP member Nurbanu, for example, has established a Malta, Mango, Ginger, and Nutri garden, with training from the Phulbari Upazila Agriculture Office, attributing their success to Laju's guidance.
Farmer Abul Kalam and others have successfully ventured into agriculture following Laju's advice. Laju also runs a Facebook group for young farmers, sharing agricultural insights, and has achieved success as a digital content creator, earning from online videos.
Agriculturist Md. Shahanur Rahman, Fulbari Upazila Agriculture Officer, praises Laju's efforts, saying, "Taibur Rahman Laju is a unique example in the area as an agricultural entrepreneur. Inspired by his success, many are becoming interested in agriculture."
Dinajpur District Youth Development Department Deputy Director Rawnak Ahmed acknowledges Laju's achievements, particularly in ginger cultivation and fruit orchard development, and notes that the Youth Development Department supports him in cow husbandry and organic fertilizer production.