Foreign Passion Fruit Cultivation Expands in Jamalpur's Melandah
Farmers in Jamalpur are turning to commercial cultivation of foreign passion fruit, with produce selling at high market rates. Local agricultural authorities are supporting the initiative as growers report significant financial returns.
Commercial cultivation of foreign passion fruit has officially begun in Jamalpur, marking a notable agricultural development for the region. The farming initiative is currently taking place in Malikadanga village, located within the Melandah upazila of Jamalpur district. This emerging sector is drawing attention from local growers and agricultural authorities as they explore high-value crop production in the area.
Among the local growers leading this agricultural trend is Noman Mahmud, who has undertaken substantial cultivation efforts on his property. Specifically, Noman Mahmud has planted seventy-two passion fruit seedlings across one bigha of land. Local agricultural observers note that this specific variety of foreign passion fruit requires careful management to ensure successful yields during its productive lifespan, which can last for approximately fifteen years.
The commercial viability of the crop is highlighted by strong market demand and lucrative pricing structures. According to market observations from the area, passion fruit is currently selling at a rate of six hundred to seven hundred taka per kilogram. This premium pricing has provided a strong financial incentive for local farmers interested in diversifying their traditional agricultural practices.
The financial success of these early cultivation efforts is already becoming apparent to participating growers in Malikadanga village. In a related agricultural venture in the area, a farmer named Asad established a smaller garden covering ten decimals of land and successfully sold passion fruit valued at one lakh taka. These tangible financial outcomes are reinforcing the viability of the crop for small-scale and commercial farmers alike.
Institutional oversight and guidance for these agricultural activities are being provided by local government bodies. The Melandah upazila agriculture office, operating under the broader agricultural department, is closely monitoring these developments. Abdur Rouf is currently serving in his official capacity as the Melandah upazila agriculture officer, overseeing agricultural extension services and supporting farmers engaged in these novel crop trials.
