<i>Quality Malta grown in Sylhet</i>
'BARI-1' Malta evolved at Jaintapur Citrus Research Centre approved for farmers
A fruit-bearing Malta tree at Juri Citrus Research Centre of BARI.Photo: STAR
The soil and climate of Sylhet region is suitable for cultivation of good quality Malta, a pricey fruit now being imported. “The size of the fruit produced here (Sylhet) is also bigger than the imported ones”, said BARI scientist Proshanta Kumar Sardar. “We will be able to supply several thousand saplings/grafts of the juicy fruit among farmers this year”, he said. The 'BARI-1' variety of Malta was evolved at the Citrus Research Centre of BARI (Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute) at Jaintapur in Sylhet after years of research by Senior scientific Officer Proshanta Kumar. The National Seed Board has also approved its seed for release among farmners, Prosanta told this correspondent during a recent visit to the centre, located at a hillock at Jaintapur upazila headquarters, 44 kilometres off Sylhet city. Adequate sunshine and sandy nature of soil in Sylhet region is favourable for growing Malta. It can be grown on slopes where water does not remain stagnant after rain, he said. The Malta grown at the center are very sweet and its bright yellow colour and size are very attractive, he said. A fruit weighs between 400 and 750 grams and a plant bears 100 to 150 fruits, he said. “We hope this variety of Malta will grow in other hilly regions of Bangladesh having the same nature of soil and climate”, Proshanta said. Plantation is very important. If saplings are planted properly and appropriate care is taken, they will bear fruit in the same year, the BARI scientist said. He said the pit should be one metre in length and breadth. About 15 kg cow dung and 200 grams of TSP fertiliser should be dumped in the pit at least 15 days ahead of planting sapling, he said. April-May is most suitable for planting sapling and fruits mature in December-January. It is very juicy and suitable for processing, he said. “We are readying several thousand grafted Malta seedlings this year for experimental cultivation in other regions”, he said. A number of enthusiastic farmers have requested him for grafted saplings, he said. About 10 varieties of Malta are being evaluated at the cetre. Among them, only one 'BARI-1' has been released. The plant is less susceptible to insect/pest attack, Prosanta said.
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