Abdullah Al Mamun- Photo: BSS

TANGAIL, April 6, 2026 (BSS)- Abdullah Al Mamun, a 22-year old college 
student from Sholakura village under Ghatail upazila of the district, has 
created a stir in the area by achieving success in cultivating the American 
Festival variety of strawberry.

While strawberry farming was previously limited to northern districts, it is 
now gaining ground in Ghatail of Tangail through his initiative.

A visit to Mamun's garden showed rows of strawberry plants spread across a 
wide area, laden with fresh, juicy red fruits. Mamun was seen harvesting 
strawberries for sale, while his family members were busy packaging them. 
Locals are flocking to his garden daily to witness this new cultivation, and 
many farmers are expressing interest in starting strawberry farming 
commercially.

Talking to BSS, Mamun said he began the initiative in 2022 by planting 100 
saplings experimentally beside his house. After achieving a good harvest, he 
started commercial cultivation the following year. Now, there are around 
10,000 saplings in his garden.

Each plant yields an average of 300 to 400 grams of fruit, and strawberries 
are being sold at Taka 600 per kilogram (Kg). 

He expects to earn around Taka one million this year from selling fruits and 
saplings after meeting all expenses.

Saplings can be planted from September to December, he said, adding, 
"Flowering of the juicy fruit begins in mid-December, and fruits can be 
harvested from late December to April."

Mamun added that although his family members were initially reluctant, they 
are now supportive of his initiative. He also plans to expand his farm 
further in the future.

Inspired by his success, many local youths are becoming interested in 
strawberry cultivation. With strong market demand, good yield, and attractive 
prices, strawberry farming is gaining popularity among farmers.

College student Sumi Akter, who visited the garden, said she came after 
hearing about it from others and plans to collect saplings to grow 
strawberries on her rooftop to meet family demand.

Rubel Mia, another visitor, said he was impressed by Mamun's garden. "The 
yield is good this year. The fruits are bright red and delicious. I am 
thinking of starting a garden in the future and came here to observe," he 
said.

Ghatail Upazila Agriculture Officer Dilshad Jahan told BSS that strawberry is 
a highly nutritious fruit widely appreciated worldwide for its sweet, 
slightly tangy flavor and fragrant aroma. 

She said the suitable time for planting is from September to October, while 
fruits can be harvested till April.

The Agriculture Department will provide necessary support to any entrepreneur 
interested in strawberry cultivation, she added.