NAOGAON, Jan 30: The farming of Malta, a juicy citrus fruit, enriched with vitamin C, is gaining popularity among farmers in Porsha Upazila of the district as it yields good profit.
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) local offices said the Malta farming in the area began recently under a citrus fruit development project.
Since then, several family orchards of Malta have been set up in the upazila. Most of the peasants are cultivating BARI Malta-1 which is a high-yielding variety. Horticulture Research Centre of BARI first introduced it in 2003.
Belal Hossain of Porsha Upazila said he transplanted Malta trees on seven bighas of land last year. He is expecting to pick the sweet fruits within a few weeks.
The cultivation process of Malta is very easy. It needs less irrigation and fertiliser. The fruit item has high demand in the markets, he added.
Mahfuz Alam, Upazila DAE officer stated the cultivation of this juicy fruit is increasing day by day in the upazila as the farmers are getting high yields and good profit.
The agriculture officials are providing necessary suggestions and support to the farmers to boost the Malta cultivation in the upcoming years, he added.
