A 22-year-old honours student, Abdullah Al Mamun, has made waves in the agricultural community of Sholakura village in Tangail’s Ghatail Upazila by successfully cultivating the American Festival variety of strawberry, a foreign fruit known for its delicious taste and aroma.
Mamun, who started his venture with a small experiment in 2022, has set an example for the region’s youth, with many now showing interest in strawberry farming. The student-turned-entrepreneur has planted 10,000 strawberry saplings on two bighas of land, and expects to earn a profit of Tk10 lakh this season, after expenses.
The cultivation of strawberry in Ghatail is a new phenomenon, and Mamun’s success has inspired local farmers to explore this lucrative business. As demand, yield, and prices rise, strawberry farming is becoming increasingly popular in the area.
Upon visiting Mamun’s farm, the sight of rows of vibrant red strawberries ready for harvest was evident. Mamun and his family were busy packaging the fruit for market sale, while the locals flocked to observe the new crop. This interest is growing daily, and many farmers are now considering commercial strawberry cultivation.
Mamun explained that he began his farming journey in 2022, initially planting 100 strawberry saplings as an experiment. After a successful yield, he transitioned to full-scale commercial farming. “Each plant yields about half a kilogram of fruit, and we’re selling it wholesale for Tk600 per kilogram,” he said.
He also added that the optimal planting season for strawberry is from the first week of October to the last week of December. The plants start flowering by mid-December, and fruit harvesting can take place between January and April.
Mamun’s success has not only brought attention to strawberry farming but also triggered enthusiasm among local youths. “Initially, my family was not keen on the idea, but now they are very supportive. People from various areas are visiting to see the farm, and many are now interested in growing their own strawberries,” he said.
Local college student, Sumi Akter, expressed her interest in starting her own strawberry garden, saying, “I’ve come to see the farm after hearing about it. I plan to collect saplings from here and plant them on my rooftop. Given the high market price of strawberries, I hope to produce enough for my family and share with relatives.”
Another local youth, Rubel Mia, added, “I am truly impressed by Mamun’s farm. The fruits are delicious and have a beautiful red colour. I’m also thinking of starting my own farm in the future, and that’s why I’m here today.”
According to Dilshad Jahan, the upazila agricultural officer, strawberry is a high-nutrient fruit highly regarded for its taste worldwide. “The right time to plant strawberry saplings is between September and October. The flowers begin to bloom by mid-December, and by the end of the month, fruit harvesting can start, continuing until April,” she explained.
Mamun’s entrepreneurial success in strawberry farming is sparking interest in the region. The Department of Agricultural Extension has pledged to support any local farmers willing to engage in strawberry cultivation, offering both technical and financial assistance to boost this emerging industry.
