Farmer Altaf Hossain, better known as Altu Mia, a noted organic vegetables producer in the south-western zone, is expecting at least Tk 8 lakh in coming two months when he had incurred a loss in past two years from the crop.
The holly Ramadan will offer him the chance of gaining profit from his China 3 variety lemon. Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Jhenaidah sadar officials were also hopeful of the bright prospect of the farmer in the season.
Altaf Hossain, rewarded with a number of local and national level awards including President’s medal in producing organic vegetables, has been producing China -3 variety of lemon on his six bighas (200 decimals) of land at his village Ganna under Jhenaidah sadar upazila. He had incurred a loss in last tow years when the price was least during the time. But the confident farmer had regained his belief and taking care of the crop this year when the holly Ramadan was knocking at the door this year.
Talking to this correspondent Altaf Hossain said he spends Taka 1.50 lakh to 2.00 lakh every year for fertilizer, irrigation, weeding, day labourer and others, while incurred loss for first two years. The yield of the fruit was almost better this year also and harvesting better in the first harvest in two weeks back. He had sold the same for an amount of Taka 1.30 lakh. As the holly Ramadan was nearing the door, he was expecting another Taka 6.5 to 7.00 lakh in coming six to seven weeks including Ramadan.
The industrious farmers said not for profit only, he had taken the challenges to produce organic agricultural products using environ-friendly pesticides and fertilizer on his plots round the year also. To avoid excessive chemicals fertilizers and pesticides, he usually does not produce eggplants and similar other crops on his land. He enjoys the satisfaction of the consumers when the total farming went under the clutch of harmful chemical fertilizer and pesticides due to lack of knowledge of the farmers. Most of the farmers follow the idea and advices of the fertilizer and pesticides dealer in their locality.
According to Altaf Hossain, farming of lemon is almost safe the plants are not affected badly by the pests and diseases and they (farmers) do not have to spend more for caring the orchard round the year, he said
Upazila agriculture officer of the DAE in Jhenaidah Khamarbari Nur E Nabi when contacted said farmer Altaf Hossain alias Altu Mia is a committed farmer in the district as well as in the south-western districts as he always considers the health and hygiene and environment. He has a lot of contribution in organic farming. DAE officials including the field, have been rendering their cooperation towards the farmer so that he could produce crops to offer health, hygiene and environment - friendly society Nur E Nabi said.
Jhenaidah : Jhenaidah sadar upazila agriculture officer Nur E Nabi witnessing the yield of China-3 variety of lemon at farmer Altaf Hossain’s plot at Ganna in Jhenaidah Sadar.