Photo : BSS

JHENAIDAH, July 27, 2026 (BSS) - Leaving behind a secured job to pursue agriculture, Abu Sayeed Sarker of Gaurinathpur village in Maheshpur upazila of the district has transformed himself into a successful dragon fruit farmer and entrepreneur.

Through dragon fruit cultivation, seedling production, fruit trading and marketing, Sayeed has built a thriving agribusiness. Despite facing financial losses and discouraging remarks during the early years, his determination has paid off. Today, his dragon fruits are supplied to markets across Bangladesh and are also exported overseas.

A visit to Gaurinathpur market reveals more than a hundred wholesale dragon fruit depots. Among the leading businesses is Sayeed's wholesale outlet, Ayan Fruit Bhandar, which he established in 2022. As the business expanded rapidly, his elder brother joined him, helping the venture grow further.

Speaking to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Sayeed said he previously held a well-paid position at a non-governmental organization (NGO). However, observing the growing demand for exotic fruits in the local market inspired him to adopt modern farming techniques and cultivate dragon fruit.

Acting on that vision, he resigned from his job in 2021 and began cultivating dragon fruit on one-and-a-half bighas of family land. At the same time, he worked as a daily labourer on his cousin's farm while managing his own orchard.

In late 2022, he opened a fruit wholesale business at Gaurinathpur market. Besides selling produce from his own farm, he started purchasing dragon fruit from other growers and supplying it to markets across the country.

"My journey was extremely difficult," Sayeed recalled. "I worked as a farm labourer for a daily wage of Taka 400, which was not enough to support my family. Many people criticized me for leaving my job to take up farming, but I never gave up."

After starting dragon fruit cultivation in October 2021, he began producing seedlings and personally transported them by van to Jhenaidah town, Kaliganj, Jashore and Chuadanga. He also shipped seedlings to customers in different parts of the country through courier services.

"There were many days when I returned home after selling seedlings at a loss," he said. "But I remained optimistic. I struggled for nearly two years before opening my wholesale outlet."

Sayeed said he promoted his orchard and wholesale business through videos on Facebook, which attracted customers from across the country. The online exposure significantly boosted sales of both dragon fruit and seedlings.

Today, he cultivates dragon fruit  nearly on  12 bighas of land. Seedlings produced at his nursery have helped establish dragon fruit orchards in Gazipur's Mawna, Chandpur, Nimsar in Cumilla, Khagrachhari, Munshiganj, Faridpur and several other districts.

His wholesale outlet now handles an average of 1,500 to 2,000 kilograms of dragon fruit every day, while his orchards continue to produce healthy yields.

Reflecting on his journey, Sayeed said unemployment can be overcome through entrepreneurship.

"I believe no one is truly unemployed," he said. "Instead of waiting for a job, young people can start small businesses with limited capital. Every successful venture begins on a small scale. Over time, it grows. As entrepreneurs, we can also create employment opportunities for others."

He added that many people now work in his orchards and wholesale business, contributing to local employment.

"In my opinion, becoming an agricultural entrepreneur is safer and more rewarding than investing in factories or industrial businesses. Alhamdulillah, I am now living a much better life," he said.