Zahids struggle for job ends in strawberry farming success

Strawberry farming in Lalmonirhat

Lalmonirhat, Mar 4 – After completing his graduation, Zahid Hossain Bosunia, a resident of Monoram village in Lalmonirhat, struggled for six years to try and secure a government job. But despite numerous attempts, he failed.

After facing repeated setbacks in his job search, Zahid decided to turn to strawberry farming, a decision that soon proved to be a turning point in his life, making him a successful entrepreneur in the region.

Zahid, who obtained an Honours degree in History, chose to pursue agriculture instead of continuing his job hunt. He began farming various crops in 2019.

On December 12, 2023, Zahid embarked on his strawberry farming journey by planting 18,000 saplings on three bighas of land. He is currently cultivating strawberries on one and a half bighas.

He collected tissue-cultured strawberry saplings from Bogura in December 2023 and planted them on his land.

Currently, Zahid has around 10,000 strawberry plants on his land.

Usually, harvesting of strawberries began in early March and within just two days, he had sold approximately 70 kilograms of strawberries.

 The wholesale price of the strawberries ranges from Tk 500 to Tk 550 per kilogram.

His organically grown strawberries have attracted buyers from Rangpur, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat district town, thanks to its superior quality.

Zahid expected that the harvest of strawberries would continue for about a month, but with extra care and a shade built over the plants, the yield could extend for an additional two months, he said.

To promote his produce, Zahid shares photos of his vibrant red strawberries on social media, especially on the social networking site Facebook, which has helped him directly connect with buyers and expand his business.

"If I receive support from the Lalmonirhat Department of Agricultural Extension, I can further boost my yield and meet the growing demand," Zahid added.

Shah Alam Mia, district training officer at the Lalmonirhat Agricultural Extension Office (DAE), praised Zahid's initiative.

 "Unable to find a job, Zahid turned to farming and has successfully become self-reliant through strawberry cultivation. His success has inspired many unemployed youths to explore strawberry farming," he said. - UNB