THAKURGAON, Jan 7: Olive is now treated as a profitable fruit in the district. Many farmers here have got success in cultivating the fruit.
There are different types of antioxidants including vitamin, minerals, fibre, iron, copper, vitamin-e and folic acid in olive. The fruit not only helps create antibody but also reduces risk of cancer.
The agriculture experts said the land and weather of the district is very suitable for olive cultivation. One or two olive plants can be found in each house of Thakurgaon. But, if it is cultivated commercially, it will bring good results.
Shariful Islam and Azgar Ali, farmers of Akcha Village in Sadar Upazila, said, "We each planted two olive trees near our houses. The plants started to give fruit after three years. The demand of olive is high. So, we do not have to go to market to sell it rather the wholesalers come here to buy it."
Rafiqul Islam, of Keroa Village in Sadar Upazila said, "I planted an olive tree near my house. The plant started to give fruit at the beginning of winter. In primary stage, per kg olive was sold at Tk 20 to 30. The production cost of the fruit is not much but its profit is high. So, if it is planted commercially, it will contribute to the economy of the district."
Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension in Thakurgaon KM Maidul Islam said, "The olive plants have been cultivated on 27 hectares of land in the district from which 65 to 66 metric tons of olive can be produced. Pickle, jam and jelly are made from olive. Insects cannot harm the plant. Olive is cultivable in any place of the country. Besides, the fruit can be exported."
"The olive oil is very healthy. It contains many important elements which keep our body healthy. We can avoid bad cholesterol by adding olive oil in food," he added.
