Chinese orange cultivation brings success to Jhenaidah grower

Habibur Rahman, a grower of Begampur village in Jhenaidah's Maheshpur, will make Tk 2 million this year from his Chinese orange cultivation on five bighas, after an investment of only half a million.

Inspired by YouTube videos, he started growing the citrus fruit four years ago. Now, rows of orange trees come into view at his orchard, where the sweet aroma of the ripe fruits fills the air.

What began as a curiosity in cultivating foreign fruits, turned into a passion for orange cultivation for Habibur, who said his journey was anything but easy. "I saw many people growing oranges at home and abroad on YouTube. I thought I should give it a try too."

While growing oranges, Habibur had to endure harsh criticism from his neighbours and repeated scolding from his father. "I even stopped eating at home for three days out of frustration. Still, I didn't give up," he said.

In the first couple of years, Habibur's days were shrouded with constant anxiety, revolving around possible diseases, proper care, required fertiliser and irrigation for his orange trees. In the third year, blossoms appeared and the trees bore fruit for the first time.

The orchard features a blend of colours at this moment with yellow and orange fruits hanging between lush green leaves. "Each tree has yielded three to five maunds of oranges. I spent about Tk 5 lakh (500,000) overall. This year, I expect to sell around Tk 25 lakh (2.5 million) worth of oranges."

To enjoy Habibur's scenic orchard, visitors arrive not only from different parts of Jhenaidah, but also Jashore, Chuadanga and other distant districts. Some buy oranges, some visit to take photos, and others seek his advice as they wish to cultivate oranges.

Sohel Hossain, an employee who works in the orchard, said, "I stay here from morning till evening to look after the garden. Every day, a lot of people come-some to buy oranges, some just to see the orchard."

Samaresh Das, a trader who came to buy oranges at the orchard from Chuadanga's Damurhuda, said, "I bought oranges from many places in my professional life, but these are sweeter and more flavourful than others."

Moin Uddin, a visitor from Jhenaidah's Kotchandpur, said, "I came after hearing people talk about it (the orchard). The oranges are truly sweeter and tastier than others."

Looking ahead, Habibur hopes to expand his orchard and plans to build a modern storage facility and packhouse for proper preservation and marketing of oranges.

Yeasmin Sultana, upazila agriculture officer, said the soil in Maheshpur is highly suitable for fruit cultivation.

"Citrus fruits like oranges, malta (a variety of orange), and lemons grow very well here." Stating that Habibur's orchard is an example of success, she added, "The soil and climate match perfectly with orange cultivation, resulting in good yields. We are providing all necessary guidance on plant care and pest control."

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