A good number of marginal peasants in Bogra have attained financial solvency by cultivating Apple Kul, a variety of plum, on a commercial basis over the last few years.
They started the cultivation five years back on an experimental basis with assistance from local agricultural officers.
Finding its low production cost and lucrative market price, the farming has ever since gained popularity in the district.
A local conservative estimate shows that one needs to spend only Tk 300-400 to get a maund of Apple Kul, which can be retailed at Tk 1200-1300 and wholesaled at Tk 1000-1100.
Masud, 43, a farmer of Abdul Bahapur Dewantola village, said he planted some 354 tress on 70 decimals of land near the basis of the Karatoa River two years ago spending Tk 6000.
“I’m hoping to make a satisfactory profit if the wholesalers visit our locality this time,” he added.
Farmers have bought each tree for Tk 20 during the time of plantation from local nursery, sources told the FE.
While cultivating, they use various types of fertilisers at the same time in order to get a good output.
Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Faridur Rahman said, “We have provided all sort of agricultural inputs, including fertilsers and small trees.
“And the district holds a bright prospect for the fruit on a large scale.”