Naogaon:Young entrepreneur Morshalin Ahmed has turned a small plot of land in Badalgachhi upazila into a lucrative farming venture by cultivating American passion fruit, known locally as Anarkali. His successful harvest has set an inspiring example for local agriculture in the district.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Morshalin began his venture about six months ago, motivated by information he found on YouTube and social media. He planted 65 saplings on 14 decimals of his in-laws' land in Panchgharia village, Mithapur union. With an initial investment of about Taka 50,000 for trellis construction and saplings, he anticipates a net profit of Taka 1 lakh per season as infrastructure costs decrease and production increases.
The plantation, managed by Morshalin's father-in-law Md Rafiqul Alam, has already attracted attention from local residents, including Rubel Hossain from Jhapripada village and farmer Md Yunus Ali from Panchgharia village. Both expressed interest in cultivating the fruit, with Yunus Ali praising its sweet and sour flavor.
Md Arafat Rahman, a sub-assistant agriculture officer, noted that the alluvial soil in Badalgachhi upazila is ideal for passion fruit cultivation. The Department of Agricultural Extension provides ongoing support to Morshalin and is ready to assist other interested farmers. Upazila Agriculture Officer Mehedi Hasan highlighted the fruit's nutritional benefits, which are driving demand among health-conscious consumers.
Morshalin's initiative exemplifies the potential for rural entrepreneurship, driven by digital inspiration and local agricultural expertise, to create new income opportunities in the region.