Md. Ramzan Ali, Rajshahi (V7N) – Once barren and uncultivated, the sandy stretches of Padma Char in Chakrajapur Union, Bagha Upazila, Rajshahi, have turned into fields of opportunity with the extensive cultivation of the Bal Sundari plum. Covering 5,286 hectares of previously unproductive land, farmers are now reaping financial success and contributing to the national economy.
A New Agricultural Revolution

Historically, crops like onions, garlic, lentils, wheat, mustard, sugarcane, paddy, turmeric, and ginger were seasonally grown, but challenges like sandy soil and harsh sun limited productivity. However, the cultivation of high-yielding plum varieties—Bal Sundari, Apel, Bau, and Thai—has brought a transformative shift.

Educated yet unemployed youth in the area have embraced plum farming, making barren land productive and improving their economic conditions.

Farmers such as Bidyut Ahmed, Shafiqul Islam, Abdur Razzak, Jamal Uddin, Sona Miah, Yusuf Ali, and Ashrafu Daula have set examples of how strategic farming can lead to financial prosperity.

Plum farmer Bidyut Ahmed cultivated Bal Sundari plums on 7 bighas of land in Manek Char, investing Tk 45,000–50,000 per bigha. He anticipates a yield of 130–150 maunds per bigha, with total sales expected to reach around Tk 8 lakh this season. Plums are fetching prices of Tk 2,500–2,800 per maund in the market, with previous sales reaching Tk 75 per kg.

Beyond domestic markets, there is growing potential for export. Shafiqul Islam, owner of Sadi Enterprise in Pakuria, already exports mangoes and is preparing to export guava, plum, and papaya through Dhaka-based exporters Adab International and BH Trade International.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Shafiullah Sultan highlighted that 150 hectares of land in the upazila are dedicated to plum cultivation, with 70% of that in the Padma Char. He noted that farmers are diversifying crops and increasingly turning to plums due to their profitability.
Future Prospects

Farmers believe that with government support, particularly in exporting, Padma Char plums could reach international markets, boosting both their earnings and the national economy.

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