Kaptai: Agricultural scientists at the Raikhali Hill Agricultural Research Center in Kaptai upazila of Rangamati, recognized as a beacon for farmers in the hilly areas, have achieved success in cashew cultivation. Cashew nuts have been cultivated across an area of 2 acres of the research center.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during a visit to the research center on Monday morning, it was observed that rows of cashew trees had borne fruit, with cashew nuts visible in abundance across the horizon covered with green fields of cashew nuts. Dr. Muhammad Ziaur Rahman, Chief Scientific Officer of the Raikhali Hill Agricultural Research Center, explained that in 2019, cashew germplasm was collected from Vietnam, India, Cambodia, and various upazilas of Bandarban district and planted on 2 acres of land at the Raikhali Pahari Agricultural Research Center.
The first fruit was harvested in 2022, three years after planting. Currently, the trees are 7 years old, and each cashew tree is bearing more fruits than before. Cashew occupies the first place among nut crops globally. Each tree yields 20 to 30 kg of fruits, with each fruit weighing an average of 30 to 60 grams. Additionally, each cashew nut weighs 5 to 10 grams.
Cashews contain significant amounts of protein, fat, calcium, vitamin B, and vitamin C. They also contain large amounts of magnesium, manganese, polyphenoles, and carotenoids, which contribute to increasing the body’s resistance to disease and brain power. Cashews help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, playing an important role in controlling blood pressure and diabetes.
Scientists at the Raikhali Hill Agricultural Research Center noted that there are about 5 lakh hectares of uncultivated land in the hilly regions of Bangladesh. If cashew nuts can be cultivated on 1 lakh hectares of this land, it is possible to produce 1 lakh tons of cashew nuts. Producing good quality cashew nuts in the country will not only save foreign exchange but also allow for earning significant foreign exchange through exports.
The employment of many individuals involved in this industry would increase, with a focus on enabling women to become self-reliant. Scientists emphasized the need for government initiatives to expand the potential of cashew nut cultivation in the hills.