Planting fruit trees

Bangladesh enjoys generally a sub-tropical monsoon climate. A tropical location, lush greenery, moisture-rich loamy soil and production-friendly climate--all these make it one of the notable growers of a vast range of fruits. Most of these fruits perishable in nature are available in different seasons.  

There is no denying the fact that fruits are vital components of the daily diet and for meeting the demand for nutrition these should be included in every meal. There is a great environmental benefit in planting fruit trees also. But it is worrying to note that urban children are getting accustomed to burger and other fast foods. This is doing them more harm than good. They should be turned to fruit consumption. This will protect them from various diseases and will also reduce family budget on medicines. Diversified use of fruits should also be ensured.

Unfortunately widespread use of toxic chemicals in preservation of fruit is posing a serious threat to public health. There are fallow lands around houses of many farmers. These can be brought under fruit cultivation. Fruit cultivation can be taken up on the courtyards of dwelling houses. The initial investment for fruit cultivation is not that much. The vast youth force can be employed in this task. It can solve unemployment problem greatly. Planting and nurturing fruit trees in public parks will have great benefits for both the local administration as well as the community. A family can earn a substantial amount of money by selling seasonal fruits after meeting its demand. Fruit trees can help protect environment, biodiversity, flora and fauna. Besides, those have timber value and can be used in making furniture and can be used for many other purposes.

All concerned should put in their best effort to make the country green by increasing areas for fruit trees. The government, particularly the agricultural ministry and the department concerned, can provide necessary financial and logistic supports to the people willing to undertake fruit cultivation. Building of awareness can also bring the desired results.  

Freeze-drying of fruit, processing into pulp and puree and ready-to-cook meals, conversion into juice, jam and other kinds of preserve — the scope to add value at low cost is huge. The point, however, is to realise the potential.

There are fears about planting fruit trees in a society as divided as ours and sharing of fruits might become a source of conflict among people. However, strong community control can make such efforts successful.

 

Planting fruit trees

Bangladesh enjoys generally a sub-tropical monsoon climate. A tropical location, lush greenery, moisture-rich loamy soil and production-friendly climate--all these make it one of the notable growers of a vast range of fruits. Most of these fruits perishable in nature are available in different seasons. There is no denying the fact that fruits are vital components of the daily diet and for meeting the demand for nutrition these should be included in every meal. There is a great environmental benefit in planting fruit trees also. But it is worrying to note that urban children are getting accustomed to burger and other fast foods. This is doing them more harm than good. They should be turned to fruit consumption. This will protect them from various diseases and will also reduce family budget on medicines. Diversified use of fruits should also be ensured. Unfortunately widespread use of toxic chemicals in preservation of fruit is posing a serious threat to public health. There are fallow lands around houses of many farmers. These can be brought under fruit cultivation. Fruit cultivation can be taken up on the courtyards of dwelling houses. The initial investment for fruit cultivation is not that much. The vast youth force can be employed in this task. It can solve unemployment problem greatly. Planting and nurturing fruit trees in public parks will have great benefits for both the local administration as well as the community. A family can earn a substantial amount of money by selling seasonal fruits after meeting its demand. Fruit trees can help protect environment, biodiversity, flora and fauna. Besides, those have timber value and can be used in making furniture and can be used for many other purposes. All concerned should put in their best effort to make the country green by increasing areas for fruit trees. The government, particularly the agricultural ministry and the department concerned, can provide necessary financial and logistic supports to the people willing to undertake fruit cultivation. Building of awareness can also bring the desired results. Freeze-drying of fruit, processing into pulp and puree and ready-to-cook meals, conversion into juice, jam and other kinds of preserve the scope to add value at low cost is huge. The point, however, is to realise the potential. There are fears about planting fruit trees in a society as divided as ours and sharing of fruits might become a source of conflict among people. However, strong community control can make such efforts successful.