In this prevailing coronavirus situation in the country, there is a ray of hope for the lemon farmers in the hilly areas of Jamalpur. Due to Ramadan, lemon growers are benefiting from the increase in demand for lemons.
Lemons from Jamalpur are being provided to other districts across the country, after meeting local demand, So the lemon farmers in the district are very happy.
Lemon orchard can be seen in Kamalpur union of Bakshiganj upazila in Jamalpur. The local hill people and others are planting lemon saplings in flat places.
People in those hilly areas suffer a lot from elephant attack. So, on the advice of the Deputy Commissioner, people of these local villages are now interested in cultivating lemons to avoid elephant attacks.
Due to favourable weather and soil conditions, only elachi, kagoji and batabi lemons have been cultivated here. As the qualities of these lemons are better, there is a huge demand for these lemons in the local market. Hence, the lemon growers are also getting reasonable prices.
Meanwhile, after cultivating lemons, the farmers of this area have been seen planting malt seedlings experimentally. Several trees have also caught malt. These will take some more time to ripen. However, there are many complaints against the local agriculture department.
Farmers Sattar, Nazrul and Sardar Mia said they are cultivating lemons based on their estimates. So far, lemon seedlings have been planted but no fertilisers or pesticides have been given to them. It would have been more profitable to cultivate lemons if they were given proper training.
Bakshiganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Alamgir said, “I learned that lemon has been cultivated there. No one came to us with any problem. If anyone comes, all possible cooperation will be given.”