Photo : Collected

MADARIPUR, June 9, 2026 (BSS) - After years of unsuccessful attempts to secure a job, a young man from Madaripur has transformed his life through commercial mango farming, creating employment opportunities for local residents and becoming an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Shahandar Howlader, 35, a resident of Purba Madra village under Jhaudi union in Sadar upazila, turned to agriculture after failing to find suitable employment despite completing his education in 2015. Inspired by videos on modern farming techniques and mango cultivation available on YouTube, he decided to venture into commercial agriculture.

In 2017, Shahandar established a mango orchard on approximately four acres of land. The journey was not without challenges, as he initially struggled with limited experience, weather-related risks, and financial uncertainty. However, through determination, hard work, and the adoption of modern farming practices, he gradually achieved success.

Today, his orchard produces high-quality Rupali and Himsagar mangoes and employs around 12 workers daily for maintenance, harvesting, and other farming activities. The initiative has not only improved his financial condition but has also generated employment opportunities for local people.

“I was deeply disappointed when I could not find a job,” Shahandar told BSS. “Later, I learned various aspects of mango cultivation through YouTube and decided to start my own orchard. The beginning was difficult, but now I am receiving good yields. I plan to expand the farm further in the future.”

Local resident Rakib Hasan said Shahandar’s achievement has become a source of inspiration for young people in the area.

“He has demonstrated that agriculture can be a profitable profession when combined with modern technology and proper planning,” Hasan said.

Another resident, Shahidul Islam, said that the region previously relied on mangoes brought from Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj to meet local demand.

“Now we can enjoy fresh, chemical-free mangoes produced right in our locality,” he said.

Agricultural worker Zahurul Kha said Shahandar’s orchard has provided steady employment for many local workers.

“We work in Shahandar Bhai’s mango orchard and have benefited from the job opportunities created through his initiative,” he said.

According to Shaswati Chhanda Debnath, Additional Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Madaripur, favorable weather conditions have contributed to a bumper mango harvest in the district this year.

“The production of the Rupali variety is particularly promising. The Agriculture Department is providing farmers with technical assistance and guidance to encourage the adoption of modern cultivation methods,” the official said.

DAE sources said mango cultivation has been carried out on 357 hectares of land across Madaripur this season. The district has set a production target of 24,234 metric tons of mangoes, with an average expected yield of 78 metric tons per hectare.

Officials believe that mango production and marketing will contribute significantly to the district’s economy this season, with entrepreneurs like Shahandar Howlader serving as shining examples of the growing potential of modern agriculture.