Bangladesh export from arum, arum lobe crosses Tk25cr
The vegetables are now being exported to nearly 25 countries, including the USA and the United Kingdom (UK), for the last several years.
The arum and arum lobe are being produced abundantly in the district, including Barura upazila, with the vegetables' annual export having crossed Tk20 crore.
The arum and arum lobe have gained huge popularity both at home and abroad due to its good taste and nutritional values. The particular vegetable is now being exported to nearly 25 countries, including the USA and the United Kingdom (UK), for the last several years.
To meet the huge demand for these vegetables, the farmers of Barura upazila are cultivating two particular varieties- 'Latiraj' and 'BARI pani kochu-3' on a commercial scale almost year-round.
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Talking about the export of the arum and arum lobe, Barura Upazila agriculture officer M Zahidul Islam said the arum lobe and arum produced in the upazila are being exported to Middle Eastern countries.
As per the estimation of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Tk20-25 crore is earned from arum and arum lobe exports each year, said the official.
Initially, arum was cultivated commercially on 120 hectares of land in the upazila. But now, more than 260 hectares of land have been brought under arum cultivation, according to Barura Upazila Agriculture Office.
The farmers are very much interested in arum cultivation due to high yielding and optimum financial return, encouraging the farmers in arum cultivation.
About 6,528 tonnes of arum lobe were produced annually in the upazila, creating employment opportunities for local women for cleaning and sorting purposes.
"The arum cultivation is the main source of our livelihood as most of the farmer's families are being involved with arum cultivation in the upazila", said a farmer, Harun Mia of Aganagar village of the upazila.
Farmers usually harvest arums for 8-9 months in a year after planting the arum, he said, adding this year he so far spent Taka 40,000 for cultivating arum while he has already earned Taka 80,000 from selling the arum lobes.
Arum production also gained popularity in other villages under Aganagar, Bhabanipur and Khoshbash Dakshin unions.
As arum cultivation is cost effective with less farming cost and high return, farmers are interested in arum cultivation instead of rice or any other crops, said another farmer, Rafique Mia from Mudabazal village.
Deputy Director of the DAE Aiyub Mahmud of Cumilla region said nearly 380 hectares of land have been brought under arum lobe cultivation this year. This particular vegetable is pest resistant, so the yield of the vegetable is very high, he noted.
