When fortune smiles

Momruj Ali's betel nut garden is an attraction for visitors. PHOTO: STAR

Momrul Ali had planted only 50 betel nut saplings, brought from Assam. As he earned good profit from the trees, he developed the garden gradually.

Now, there are over 5,000 betel nut trees. The garden is two kilometres off Brammaputra bridge on the Mymensingh-Netrakona road.

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After his death, his eldest son Aftabuddin Mondal took charge of his garden.

Aftabuddin earns Tk five lakh by selling betel nuts every year. On an average, each tree gives 200 to 300 nuts, he told this correspondent during a visit to the garden recently. Their betel nuts are in good demand because of its size.

Every year, Aftabuddin sows thousands of betel nuts to grow saplings. This year, he sold 2,000 betel nut saplings at Tk 8 to 10 per piece. He hopes to sell 1,000 more saplings. Each year he earns at least Tk 25,000 from saplings.

His younger brother Abdul Aziz Mandol helps him in supervision of the garden.

This correspondent saw about 25 workers cleaning the garden. "The garden needs cleaning twice a year," Abut Kalam, a permanent worker said. He applies cow-dung and organic fertiliser in the garden twice a year, which increases the yield.

"This is the only care of the trees need after cleaning," Kalam said.

Aftab will expand the garden to another acre of land next year.