New oppo for poison-free mango cultiv : Beginning of new horizon in export-oriented agriculture in Thakurgaon
Jane Alam, Thakurgaon
For the first time, poison-free mango cultivation under the Good Agricultural Practices' (GAP) method has started in Baliadangi Upazila of Thakurgaon. With the support of the World Bank and under the Department of Agricultural Extension, this program is being implemented at the field level for the first time in Baliadangi under the 'Partner Project' in the fiscal year 2024-25.
Farmer Abu Belal of Baro Palashbari Union in Baliadangi Upazila has planted banana, mango and amrapali varieties of mango trees on his three bighas of land. Various modern technologies are being applied in this mango orchard, including sex pheromone traps, yellow sticky traps, fruit bagging, use of safe pesticides, and enclosing the orchard with nets.
According to the Baliadangi Upazila Agriculture Office, 15 crops across the country—10 of which are vegetables and 5 are fruits—have been brought under the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) system. Its journey began with mangoes in Baliadangi. This will enable the production of safe, poison-free and exportable mangoes, which will be profitable for local farmers and create competition in the domestic market.
Farmer Abu Belal said, "I have started mango cultivation using this method for the first time. The technical support and advice from the agriculture office have made my work easier. Now I am hopeful that I will be able to produce mangoes for export using this method."
Meanwhile, other farmers in Baliadangi have also become interested in cultivating mangoes using this method. Locals say they are interested in Abu Belal's yield and want to take help from this technology in the future.
All kinds of technical advice, training and technical assistance are being provided to farmers from the Baliadangi Upazila Agriculture Office. Agricultural officials are regularly supervising at the field level and working alongside the farmers.
Baliadangi Upazila Agriculture Officer Sajjad Hossain Sohel said, "Our goal is to make agriculture sustainable and profitable through safe food production. GAP system is an international standard agricultural technology, which will help farmers increase productivity and ensure the production of poison-free fruits and vegetables in the country. We are very optimistic that its journey has begun in Baliadangi through mangoes."
In addition, the Baliadangi Upazila Agriculture Office is providing all kinds of advice, cooperation and technological support for production. This approach will improve agriculture in Bangladesh and create new opportunities in the country's market.
