Barhi and Amber dates grow successfully in Khagrachari hills
PARBATTA NEWS DESK
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has reported success in growing Barhi and Amber varieties of dates in the hilly areas of Khagrachari.
Officials say the local climate and soil are well-suited for these types of dates and could open up opportunities for commercial farming.
Nur Alam, a local farmer from Rasulpur—about five kilometres from Matiranga town—has been growing the dates on 13 acres of hill land he bought in 2019. Inspired by online videos, he consulted agricultural experts and imported 102 tissue culture saplings of the Barhi variety from England to begin commercial cultivation.
Fruit began to appear within three years, with 24 trees bearing fruit in the first season. This year, nearly all the trees have produced dates. Alam has also planted Amber, one of the world’s most expensive date varieties, and says they have started producing fruit this season.
He is hoping to sell at least Tk 700,000 worth of dates this season.
Alongside harvesting, Alam also sells saplings to other farmers. Officials say interested entrepreneurs could take advice from him and grow dates with support from the DAE.
If commercial farming expands in the hills, it could meet local demand, reduce import dependency and create jobs, they add.
