Malta farming brings success joy and prosperity to farmers across Rajshahi region. Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Sept 23, 2025 (BSS) - Satisfactory yield and fair market prices have brought immense joy to farmers, as many of them are turning their dreams into reality through commercial malta farming in the region, particularly across the Barind tract, over the past few years.

Hanif Mondal, 48, son of Amedul Islam of Fatehpur village under Charghat upazila, has emerged as a successful agricultural entrepreneur through malta and other fruit cultivation over the past six years.

After completing his graduation from a private university, Hanif chose farming over job hunting and established "Hanif Agrofarm and Nursery" in 2019. He began with malta and orange farming on a limited scale as a pilot project.

Gradually, he expanded cultivation to around 12 bighas and also achieved success with guava farming as intercropping. Now, he cultivates mango and other fruits alongside malta and is delighted with this year's abundant yield.

Talking to BSS, Hanif said, "I am getting 80 to 100 kilograms of malta from each tree. The demand and market price are quite encouraging. I hope to earn around Taka 10 lakh from this season's harvest."

His orchard features several varieties, including BARI Malta-1, Yellow Malta, Vietnam Malta, Morocco Malta, Chinese Orange, Darjeeling Orange, and Paokenu9-1 Malta.

Charghat Upazila Agriculture Officer Al Mamun Hassan told BSS that both the soil and climate are suitable for malta cultivation. "We are supporting farmers with training, advice, and fertilizers," he added.

Amzad Hossain, a fruit retailer at Shaheb Bazar in Rajshahi city, expressed satisfaction over the sales trend, saying around 100 kilograms of BARI Malta-1 are being sold daily.

Many other entrepreneurs are also benefitting from malta farming, as the locally produced fruit is gaining popularity due to its profitability and quality.

Aminul Islam and four of his co-villagers established a commercial orchard on 45 bighas of land in Bottoly area under Godagari upazila. They are now operating the venture successfully.

"Malta is currently being sold at Taka 80 to 100 per kilogram in local markets, while imported varieties cost Taka 220 to 240 per kilogram. Consumers prefer local malta due to its freshness, better taste, and affordable price," said Islam.

Godagari Upazila Agriculture Officer Mariam Ahmed said around 110 bighas of land are under malta cultivation in the upazila. She noted that the water-scarce Barind region is well-suited for malta, which requires less water and care compared to other crops.

Farmers in the dried areas of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon are gradually increasing malta cultivation, supported by modern technologies and natural resources.

Obaidullah Shah, a farmer from Tentulia village in Porsha upazila of Naogaon, planted 1,560 saplings on seven bighas of land seven years ago. He earned Taka 3.5 lakh in the second year and around Taka six lakh last year. This season, he expects a yield of 1.5 mounds per tree.

"I have planted a new orchard on six more bighas this year. I regularly receive guidance from agriculture extension and research offices," said Shah.

He added that commercial malta farming has begun in many areas, energizing local economic activities and improving farmers' livelihoods.

Three young farmers-Mukta Ali, Tofazzal Hossain, and Sultan Ahmed-jointly planted 300 saplings on three bighas of land at Arani Khorda Baosha village under Bagha upazila around eight years ago. After nurturing the orchard for two years, they earned Taka 75,000 in 2019. This year, they expect to sell malta worth around Taka five lakh.

"Malta farming has brought us success, and now we are fully committed to it," said one of the partners.

Local farmers are increasingly switching to malta from other fruits and vegetables due to its better returns. This year's yield is expected to be particularly good, further boosting interest among farmers.

Dr. Shafiqul Islam, Principal Scientific Officer of the Fruit Research Station in Rajshahi, said BARI Malta-1 is more drought-tolerant and tastier than exotic varieties.

"Malta farming has become a lucrative option for farmers in the Barind region, contributing significantly to the rural economy and ensuring self-reliance for many ultra-poor families," he added.