Bright prospect for rubber plantation in Sherpur

A partial view of Idris Ali's rubber garden (left) and extraction of white liquid rubber. PHOTO: STAR

Chemical components of the soil, temperature and annual rainfall in bordering area of Sandakura, Bakakura, Samaschura, Rangtia, Burunga, Halchati, Nakshi, Gajni, Tawakucha, Karnajura, Balijuri, Garamara, Baromary, Choukider-tila, Daodara and Hatipagar in Shreebardi and Jinaigati upazilas in the district are suitable for rubber cultivation, experts and officials say.

At least 20,000 tonnes of raw rubber can be produced in these areas, sources at Modhupur Rubber Development Zone office told this correspondent during a recent visit.

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Forest Department sources said there are 20,000 acres of fallow lands under it in the areas, where rubber can be cultivated.

Idrish Ali, an industrialist in Sherpur, raised a rubber garden in Sandakura in 1983 on 54 acres of land. He is harvesting raw rubber from his Salma Rubber Project since 1998, about 15 years after plantation.

Talking to The Daily Star he said the soil of bordering hills in Sherpur is favourable for rubber cultivation. If Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation (BFIDC) takes step to cultivate rubber in the 20,000 acres of fellow lands, 20,000 to 25,000 tonnes of raw rubber could be produced annually.

Idrish Ali said, rubber cultivation is very profitable but raising a garden is time-consuming and expensive. He said he had to spend a huge amount of money in 15 years to raise the garden.

Now he is extracts 325 to 350 kilograms of liquid rubber from 5000 rubber trees per day and earns Tk 1,50,000 to 1,60, 000 in a month from the sale.

Salma Rubber Project is the lone such project in the private sector in greater Mymensingh.

Idrish Ali said he wants to expand his garden to 5000 acres. He has applied to the Forest Department for long-term lease of lands but is yet to get any response.

The country's annual demand for raw rubber is about 60,000 tonnes now, the sources at Modhupur Rubber Development Zone office said. The production is 40,000 tonnes in BFIDC rubber estates. There are rubber gardens in greater Sylhet district also.

If BFIDC cultivates rubber in 20,000 acres of fallow land in Sherpur, the country's demand can be met, officials said.