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. Saiful Shafique, a local youth, said many young people in the area have become interested in modern fruit farming after witnessing Russell's achievements. 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.
