A young farmer in Dinajpur has shown that strawberry farming can bring fresh income and new hope to local growers, after a strong harvest from a small plot near his home encouraged many others to try the crop. Shamiul Islam, 36, from Shibpur village in Rani Pukur union of Birol upazila, grew American Festival strawberries on 60 decimal of leased land beside his house and turned that modest space into a productive garden. He leased the land for Tk10,000, bought seedlings worth Tk20,000 from Joypurhat, and planted about 7,000 strawberry plants with advice from the local Agriculture Department. The crop took only 70 to 80 days to be ready for picking, which made it an attractive option for farmers looking for faster returns than many traditional crops. Shamiul is now selling the fruit at Tk300 to Tk400 per kilogram in the wholesale market, and he expects to earn about Tk2.5 lakh from a garden that cost him around Tk1.4 lakh to grow. This is not his first success with the fruit, and his second good harvest has made the idea even more believable for farmers and young people in the area. Agriculture officials who visited the field said the response from local growers has been strong. Many farmers and youths came to see the garden, asked questions, and showed interest in starting strawberry farming themselves. Some said the success proves that strawberries can grow well in Birol’s soil, while others said they may try the crop on their own land next season. The local agriculture office says the area’s winter weather, sandy loam soil, and low level of pests and diseases make strawberry cultivation a good fit. Officials also noted that proper irrigation, mulching, and temperature care can improve results and make the crop more profitable. Shamiul says he used modern farming methods and plans to grow even more next year by making tissue seedlings himself and increasing the plantation area. His goal is not only to expand his own farm but also to help more people see strawberries as a real business option. For a region already known for fruit and rice, this new crop is adding variety and opening a door to higher income. The garden has become more than a farm. It has become a small working example of how careful planning, local support, and a simple idea can create a fresh path for rural growth and inspire the next wave of farmers to try something new.
