NARSINGDI: Commercial cultivation of Rambutan, a fruit variety which looks like a big size lichi, has started in Shibpur upazila of the district due to its economic prospect, reports BSS.

Deputy Director from Department of Agriculture Extension Latafat Hossain said today Rambutan cultivation is profitable as the fruit has demand in the local markets and abroad. The fruit is very tasty and contains huge nutrition, vitamin and mineral. Its colour is also attractive.

Jamal Uddin, inhabitant of Joynagar union of the upazila, first started Rambutan farming before ten years ago taking some seeds from Brunei.

At present, a number of farmer’s specially educated unemployed youths of the district have engaged themselves in cultivation of this fruit variety commercially.

Talking to BSS Jamal Uddin said at first he cultivated six Rambutan plants on five decimals of land at his homestead garden in 2007. The trees started bearing fruits within five years and he began plucking fruits in the bangla month of Ashar and Sraban form 2012.

Jamal harvests around 100 kg fruits from one tree and sells those at Bhairab fruits whole sale market at the rate of Taka 700 to 800 per kg. He earned over Taka five lakh by selling fruit in one year.

He expressed his satisfaction over the cultivation of Rambutan fruit.  During the last five years, he expanded his orchard and at present there are 26 Rambutan fruit trees in his orchard.

Jamal is also growing saplings of Rambutan and selling those to other villagers. The Deputy Director said seeing the success and financial profit of Jamal Uddin, many farmers and unemployed educated youths have involved in this fruit cultivation.