Basirul Alam Pradhan, a former upazila  chairman established a  profitable model of integrated farming by successfully cultivating mangoes as  a companion crop within his tea garden. Photo : BSS

PANCHAGARH, March 13, 2026 (BSS) - Basirul Alam Pradhan, a former upazila 
chairman from Mohanpara village in Panchagarh Sadar, has established a 
profitable model of integrated farming by successfully cultivating mangoes as 
a companion crop within his tea garden. 

By utilizing the vacant spaces in his 22-acre tea plantation, the nearly 70-
year-old farmer, locally known as Alam Chairman, has turned once-fallow 
highland into a high-yielding agricultural venture. His dedication to tea 
cultivation previously earned him a national award as a small-scale tea 
grower in 2024.

Pradhan's innovative approach focuses on planting various mango varieties, 
primarily as shade trees for the tea plants. Currently, his garden hosts 
approximately 5,000 Banana Mango trees, 50 Amrapali trees, and over a hundred 
other foreign varieties. 

In 2024, he earned approximately Taka 40 lakh from mango sales, followed by 
Taka 25 lakh in 2025. With the trees currently in full bloom, he anticipates 
even higher yields this season.

His tea yields have shown consistent growth, rising from 1,67,671 kilograms 
(KGs) in 2024 to 2,05,489 kg in 2025. He is currently selling green tea 
leaves at Taka 36 per kg.

Speaking to BSS, Basirul Alam Pradhan emphasized that his work stems from a 
love for agriculture. "I want young farmers to move forward with modern 
agricultural methods," he stated, noting that many locals now visit his 
garden for inspiration.

Abdul Matin, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension 
(DAE) in Panchagarh, noted that the vacant spaces between tea plants are 
often left unused. 

"If mango or other fruit trees are planted there, it provides extra income," 
Matin explained, adding that fruit sales can help offset financial losses if 
the price of tea leaves fluctuates.

Ashikur Rahman Chowdhury, a manager at BRAC Nursery, further lauded Pradhan's 
innovative thinking, confirming that their organisation provides regular 
technical advice to support such profitable integrated systems. 

Agricultural officials who have visited the site expressed optimism that with 
continued proper care, the garden's productivity will continue to flourish in 
the coming years.