Photo: BSS

MADARIPUR, July 28, 2026 (BSS) - After returning from overseas employment, Russell Mia of Shibchar upazila in Madaripur has achieved remarkable success through modern, technology-based fruit farming, emerging as an inspiration for young aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs.

Russell transformed his father's 1.5-bigha fruit orchard into an eight-bigha commercial farm within just a few years by adopting scientific farming methods, proper orchard management and modern agricultural technologies. 

Today, his orchard supplies a variety of quality fruits to local markets while encouraging many young people to consider agriculture as a profitable profession.

A resident of Mridhakandi village in Dattapara, Russell had worked abroad for many years before returning home at the end of 2021. Later, he took over the management of his father's orchard. Although the farm initially produced unsatisfactory yields, he remained determined. 

He learned about modern fruit cultivation, disease management, irrigation techniques and fertilizer application through online resources and gradually implemented those practices in his orchard.

His efforts significantly improved productivity. The 8-bigha orchard now cultivates improved varieties of guava, malta, oranges, dragon fruit, lemons and several other fruits.

Regular pruning, balanced fertilizer application, efficient irrigation and effective pest and disease management have contributed to both higher yields and improved fruit quality.

Favorable weather conditions combined with modern cultivation techniques have resulted in a significantly better guava harvest this season compared to last year. The fruits are larger, sweeter and of superior quality, making them highly popular in the local market.

Guavas are currently selling for Taka 70 to Taka 80 per kilogram. In addition to wholesale buyers, consumers from different areas visit the orchard daily to purchase fresh fruits directly from the trees. This direct marketing system allows customers to enjoy fresh and safe produce while enabling the 
farmer to receive fair prices without relying on middlemen.

Local resident Imam Hossain said Russell's mixed-fruit orchard produces safe and high-quality fruits using modern cultivation methods. "We regularly buy fruits from his orchard. Customers have developed confidence because they can collect fresh fruits directly from the trees," he said.

Saiful Shafique, a local youth, said many young people in the area have become interested in modern fruit farming after witnessing Russell's achievements. "His success is encouraging others to engage in agriculture, bringing positive changes to the local farming community," he said.

Sharing his experience, Russell said he had always dreamed of doing something meaningful in his own country despite working abroad.

"I started by taking care of my father's orchard. Initially, production was not satisfactory. Later, I learned modern fruit cultivation techniques from the internet and changed my management practices. By the grace of Allah, the orchard is now producing excellent yields. This year, both the quantity and 
quality of guava have been very good. Besides wholesale marketing, I also sell fruits directly from the orchard, where many customers visit every day. With government support, I hope to expand my fruit farming operations further in the future," he said.

According to the Shibchar Upazila Agriculture Office, approximately 750 hectares of land in the upazila are currently under fruit cultivation during the current fiscal year. Of this, around 42 hectares are devoted to guava, three hectares to malta, and one hectare to oranges. 

The cultivation of dragon fruit, lemons and other fruits is also expanding steadily. Officials attribute this progress to the adoption of modern technologies, improved planting materials and technical guidance provided by the Department of Agricultural Extension.

Shibchar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Alimuzzaman said the agriculture department is providing regular technical assistance to fruit growers through training, quality sapling distribution, modern cultivation techniques and support for accessing agricultural loans.

"Modern technology and proper orchard management can make fruit farming more profitable. Success stories like Russell Mia's are motivating many other farmers to adopt improved cultivation practices," he said.

Agriculture experts believe that expanding modern fruit farming can play a significant role in increasing the production of safe fruits, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening the rural economy. They say that if returning migrant workers invest in agriculture with proper planning and modern technology, it will generate new employment while boosting domestic fruit production.