Jhalakathi, Feb 16 (V7N) - A young entrepreneur from Jhalakathi has achieved remarkable success in kul farming, expecting to earn around Tk 12 lakh in a single season after losing his business during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ichme Azam Sohag, a resident of Ruposia village under Dhansiri union in Jhalakathi Sadar upazila, returned to his village after his small business in Dhaka collapsed due to the impact of Covid-19, leading him to search for alternative sources of income.

Following advice from local agricultural officers, Sohag decided to take up farming and leased 10 bighas of land from BIWTA. He cultivated Thai apple kul and Banarasi kul on five bighas and used the remaining land for guava cultivation.

Although guava did not bring the expected return, the kul orchard turned highly profitable. He planted improved variety seedlings brought from Jessore, which began yielding fruit within eight months. This season, each tree has produced a significant amount of fruit, attracting strong market demand due to its size, colour and sweet taste.

At the beginning of the season, kul was sold at Tk 120 per kilogram, while the current market price ranges between Tk 80 and Tk 100. Buyers are purchasing directly from the garden, with retailers supplying the produce to different markets across the district and even transporting it to Dhaka by launch.

Sohag said maintenance costs remain relatively low after plantation, with 8 to 10 workers engaged in regular care, irrigation and weed control, while limited use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has improved fruit quality and buyer confidence.

Inspired by his success, several unemployed youths in the area have already started kul cultivation, hoping for profitable harvests in the coming seasons.

Deputy Director of Jhalakathi District Agriculture Department Abdullah Al Mamun said Sohag’s success was achieved through modern farming methods and proper guidance, adding that the soil and climate of Jhalakathi are highly suitable for commercial kul cultivation.

END/AIJ/RH