Agricultural entrepreneur and mango exporter Ismail Khan Shamim has garnered significant attention by adopting ultra-high-density mango cultivation technique that has doubled the yield.
Shamim's innovative approach has set an example for sustainable and high-yield farming methods that could transform the entire district's mango production landscape.
His orchard, located in the Academy Mor area in Shibganj upazila, now boasts an impressive sight, with every tree laden with bountiful bunches of mangoes.
Shamim's journey began six years ago when he ventured to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, where he got inspiration from the concept of ultra-high-density mango cultivation. Upon his return, he embarked on a mission to implement this innovative method in his hometown.
Traditionally, eight to twelve trees are planted per bigha of land, but in his orchard, he adopted the new approach planting 224 trees at a close distance of 9.5 feet by 6.5 feet.
Explaining the rationale behind his method, Shamim said unlike conventional techniques that often required decades to fill the vacant land, his approach enabled the complete utilization of the area within just three years.
This accelerated timeline for yield, coupled with controlled tree height, streamlined maintenance, reduced costs, and facilitated fruit harvesting.
Shamim said, "This farming method is unrivaled in terms of achieving higher yields within a shorter time and maximizing land use efficiency."
The benefits of Shamim's new technique have already started to manifest, with mangoes worth TK 3 lakh already sold this season. Each maund of mangoes fetches a reasonable price of Tk 10,000, and Shamim anticipates turning a profit this year after five years of garden development.
Shamim's mango cultivation method has sparked a wave of interest among local farmers.
Taufiqul Islam, a mango grower from the Manaksha Choudhurtola area, said, "I am impressed by this new method of mango cultivation, and I seek advice from Shamim bhai on adopting this method for my own orchard."
Salauddin, another local mango farmer, said, "Shamim Bhai has introduced a revolutionary way of cultivating mangoes. I intend to replicate this technique in my garden."
Agricultural entrepreneurs like Samiul Azam and Jasim Akram underscored the advantages of easy orchard maintenance and the potential for increased mango production in the district.
Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, the Chief Scientific Officer of Chapainawabganj Regional Horticulture Research Center, explained that ultra-high-density cultivation, characterized by close tree spacing, can significantly boost mango yields.
He said, "With this method, the land is fully utilized within three years, compared to traditional cultivation, which could take a decade or more to achieve the same results."
He also said the method reduces costs, enhances fruit quality, and ensures that mangoes remain within easy reach for harvesting.
Encouraged by the promising results, Rahman and Dr. Palash Sarkar, Deputy Director of the Agriculture Extension Department in Chapainawabganj, are actively promoting ultra-high-density mango cultivation through training and guidance to local farmers.