Rajshahi’s guava and green plum to reach Italy

Hundreds of acres of land in the char areas of Bagha Upazila in Rajshahi used to remain mostly uncultivated. But slowly, farmers have been encouraged to utilize these lands and are now reaping the benefits.

Some farmers have learned technology-based farming, which has increased production as well. The Upazila DAE office is also providing them with the necessary training and other assistance. 

The region is popular for growing different kinds of mangoes, including Khirsapat, which are exported every year. 

Some farmers in Rajshahi have also been growing guava and green plum for different European countries for the last few years. This year, they are exporting these fruits to Italy.

Dhaka Tribune

Recently, Ms Adab International got the contract to export 1,000kg guava and 100kg green plum from Bagha to Italy. Farmers are happy as they got a good price for the produce.

Upazila Agricultural Officer Safiullah Sultan told Dhaka Tribune: “Green plum produced in different char areas of Bagha Upazila has already gained popularity abroad. Thus, farmers have been able to enter a new market this year.”

Farmer Shafiqul Islam said he had sold 1,000kg of guava to Adab International at Tk80 per kg. 

On the other hand, the owner of Sadi Enterprise and a resident of Pakuria village in Bagha, Shafiqul Islam Sana, sold green plums to the exporting agency at Tk100 per kg. This variety of guava is usually sold at Tk60 in the local market.

He exported around 30 tons of mangoes to Europe and the Middle East last year. “This year, we have reached a new destination with new fruits,” he added. 

Dhaka Tribune

Sana said the farmers were happy as they got a better price by exporting the fruits. 

“I am trying to create a link between the local farmers and exporters so that more and more people are benefitted from exporting such fruit items,” he added. 

Upazila Agricultural Office sources said that the fruits would first be sent to the packaging house of the Department of Agricultural Extension. Then the packets loaded with fruits would be shipped to Italy by air. 

Officials hope the farmers will receive more such orders for guava and green plum in the future.