Photo: BSS

NATORE, Nov 28, 2025 (BSS) - The agricultural landscape of Lalpur in Natore is witnessing a commercial triumph as farmers embrace the cultivation of Malta fruit with one local pioneer, Ashraf Ali, achieving significant success and inspiring local unemployed youth. 

The popularity of Malta fruit is soaring due to its good market price, high demand, and superior taste and nutritional value.

Ashraf Ali, from Daharshaila village in Lalpur upazila, is recognized as a successful farmer. His journey began with the cultivation of the Bari-1 domestic variety of Malta on just 30 decimals of land. 

The climate and soil in Lalpur are particularly suitable for Malta farming. His success has since spread across various areas, encouraging many educated unemployed youths to take up Malta cultivation.

Currently, Ashraf Ali has expanded his operation significantly and commercially cultivates Malta on eight bighas of land.

Initial investment for the first crop batch was Taka 2 lakh per bigha, yielding sales of Taka 6 lakh per bigha.

For the subsequent harvest (the second batch), the cost decreased to Taka 1.50 lakh per bigha, while sales reached Taka 4.50 lakh per bigha. 

The fruit is currently sold at Taka 70 per kilogram.

While he initially purchased Malta seedlings at Taka 60 each, he now only needs to focus on garden maintenance and no longer needs to buy new saplings.

Ashraf Ali confirmed that he has profited by selling the Malta in the market after meeting his household needs. The farm employs 10 workers every month for garden maintenance.

The success of Ashraf Ali was partly fostered by the government's efforts. Upazila Agriculture Officer Pritam Kumar Hor described Md. Ashraf Ali as a progressive and ambitious farmer.

Through the Agricultural Department, Ashraf received a demonstration plot covering 50 decimals for the Bari-1 variety, as part of the project focusing on the expansion, management, and production increase of citrus crops. 

After seeing the significant profits from this initial demonstration, he was inspired to expand his Malta cultivation using his own initiative. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) continues to provide him with various technical assistance and regular advice.

The venture also offers a viable path for the unemployed, providing an opportunity to become self-reliant with low capital investment.

Many individuals visit the garden to purchase fresh and nutritious Malta for their families. 

Shah Alam, a visitor to the farm, noted that the sight of the green Malta in the garden was visually appealing. He tasted the fruit and confirmed that it was sweet. 

He was highly impressed by the owner, Ashraf Ali, Shah Alam added.