Rajshahi: Many people, particularly entrepreneurs, are reaping benefits from malta farming in the Rajshahi region, including its vast Barind tract, as the locally produced fruit has proven to be profitable.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, growers have been expanding the acreage of this citrus fruit in the dried lands of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon districts by utilizing modern technologies and existing natural resources. Obaidullah Shah, a farmer from Tentulia village in Porsha Upazila, Naogaon, established a malta orchard by planting 1,560 saplings on seven bighas of land around seven years ago. His harvest valued at Taka 3.5 lakh initially and increased to Taka six lakh last year, with expectations of one and a half mounds of fruit from each tree this year.
Shah has also expanded his farming endeavors by establishing another orchard on six bighas of land this year, receiving regular guidance from local agriculture extension and research offices. His success has inspired other farmers in the area, leading to commercial cultivation of malta, which has invigorated local economic activities and brought enthusiasm to the farming community.
Three young entrepreneurs, Mukta Ali, Tofazzal Hossain, and Sultan Ahmed, have also ventured into malta farming, planting 300 saplings on three bighas of land in Arani Khorda Baosha, Bagha Upazila, Rajshahi. After two years of nurturing, they sold fruit worth around Taka 75,000 in 2019 and are hopeful of reaching Taka five lakh in sales this year.
Aminul Islam and his co-villagers established a commercial orchard on 45 bighas of land in Bottoly, Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi, operating on a partnership model. Currently, they are successfully selling malta at Taka 80 to 100 per kilogram in local markets, providing consumers with fresh produce directly from the orchard. The local malta variety is preferred for its better taste and lower price compared to imported varieties, which are being sold at Taka 220 to 240 per kilogram.
Godagari Upazila Agriculture Officer, Mariam Ahmed, mentioned that the Barind region faces a water crisis, making malta farming appealing due to its low water requirement. Malta cultivation covers approximately 110 bighas of land in the upazila and has gained popularity due to its economic benefits, providing self-reliance to many ultra-poor families.
Dr. Shafiqul Islam, Principal Scientific Officer of the Fruit Research Station, highlighted that the Barimalta1 variety is more drought-tolerant and flavorful than exotic varieties. Developed by the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI), the local malta, particularly BARI Malta-1, has garnered popularity for its quality and profitability.
In the Shaheb Bazar area of Rajshahi city, retailer Amzad Hossain reports a strong selling trend for the BARI Malta-1 variety, with about 100 kilograms being sold daily, further indicating the fruit’s growing market demand.