Fruit cultivation is opening up new possibilities in the villages of agriculture-dependent Bangladesh. Shirina Begum, a resident of Mehar village in Chandina upazila of Comilla, has become a shining example of that possibility. Although she is an ordinary housewife by profession, she has created a unique success story in her own courtyard through strong morale and perseverance. A few years ago, she planted a few Malta seedlings next to her house as a hobby. Today, that courtyard is filled with heaps of Malta fruits.
Initially, many thought that Malta was a foreign fruit that would not survive in the village. Despite the curiosity and some distrust of her neighbors, Shirina Begum continued to take care of the trees relentlessly. She did all this by watering regularly, using organic fertilizers, and controlling diseases and pests, all on her own interest and the advice of agricultural officials. The results have come in handy. Now, each of her trees bears a lot of malta. It is as attractive to look at as it is delicious to taste.
Shirina Begum said that although she initially planted trees as a hobby, she is now able to meet her family's financial needs by selling malta. The demand for her malta in the local market is increasing day by day. She is contributing to the family's expenses by earning from this. Not only that, she is also able to pay for her children's education expenses from the produce of this yard.
Other women in the village have also been inspired by her initiative. Many have started planting malta and other fruit trees in small yards. On the one hand, this is meeting the nutritional needs of the family, and on the other hand, it is creating an opportunity to earn money by selling the excess produce. Officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension say that if malta cultivation is started on a large scale, inspired by Shirina Begum's garden, it will be possible to reduce import dependence in the country's fruit market.
This initiative has also opened new horizons in the economic empowerment of rural women. Where women were previously limited to household chores, now they are proving their mettle in agriculture and entrepreneurship. Shirina Begum has shown that with proper planning, hard work and care, a small plot of land in the courtyard of the house can become an area of economic prosperity.
Today, Shirina Begum's courtyard is not just a Malta garden, but also houses a variety of fruit trees. This garden is now a source of inspiration. Her success has proven that if every opportunity in rural life is utilized, not only her family, but also the society and the country benefit. Her Malta garden is now a symbol of the determination, confidence and success of rural women.
Written by Osman Gani
Chandina . Comilla
