Fruits are one of the sources of food and nutrition. The climate and climate of Bangladesh is very suitable for fruit cultivation. Fruits of Bangladesh are attractive and varied in taste, smell, color and nutrition. The fruit tree maintains the balance of the environment as well as acts as the main source of essential vitamins and minerals in the body. Moreover, the fruit has many medicinal properties. The role of fruits in our diet, nutrition, vitamin needs, physical growth, talent development and disease prevention is immense.
There are about 130 species of fruits in Bangladesh out of which 60 fruits are cultivated. According to nutritionists, an adult should consume 200 grams of fruit per capita daily. But in our country the availability of fruits is only 8 grams / per day / per person. Fruits are one of the main sources of food and nutrition. Fruit production needs to be balanced throughout the year to ensure year-round nutrition. Fruit availability from January to April is 19 per cent, fruit availability from May to August is 60 per cent and fruit availability from September to December is 21 per cent. The amount of fruit obtained in winter is less. Lack of opportunity to eat fruits at this time can lead to malnutrition in people, especially rural mothers and children. Therefore, the contribution of fruits as an alternative food and balanced diet is incomparable.
Say the fruit. The importance of fruit is immense for every human being to stay healthy and strong. Fruits are one of the main sources of essential nutrients in our body, especially vitamins and minerals. Fruits are also an easy source of meat, sugars, fats and water. The fruit we eat directly in its raw state. As a result waste of existing nutrients is reduced. Vitamin C is not wasted because it does not need to be cooked. So the fruit is better in ensuring nutrition. As a result, the existing organic acids and enzymes help in digestion. Lemons contain citric acid and tamarind contains tartaric acid. As a result, various minerals like calcium, iron and phosphorus help to keep the metabolism of the body normal. Various fruit processing industries are being established centering on fruits. On the one hand, it is creating employment opportunities and earning foreign exchange by exporting fruits. 60 people are needed annually to produce fruits on 1 hectare of land. In the financial year 2016-2017, 3004.499 metric tons of fruits were exported from Bangladesh. In the last 2016-17 financial year, the amount of land under fruit (including commercial orchards and home gardens) was 6.24 lakh hectares and 121.13 lakh metric tons of fruits were produced from it. (Information on fruit production in Bangladesh is given in the table.)
The Sustainable Goals (SDGs) II of the United Nations call for the eradication of hunger, the provision of food security, the improvement of nutritional standards and the development of sustainable practices in agriculture. One of the main goals of sustainable development is to eradicate hunger and ensure food for all by 2030. Ensuring food and nutrition, especially for the poor, is another major goal of sustainable development. An essential component of food security is the production of safe food. So everyone must strive for safe fruit production. Fruits are usually obtained 2-4 years after planting. The things we need to pay attention to to get the best quality results. These are Government Horticulture Center, collection of high quality healthy vigorous seedlings from trusted nurseries, proper digging of holes and proper application of fertilizers, timely and correct spacing, protection of seedlings with poles and cages, proper care of planted seedlings, weeding. If necessary, give soil at the base of the seedlings, use balanced amount of organic and inorganic fertilizers, make necessary arrangements for irrigation and drainage, control of insects and diseases, follow (H) method etc.
Source: Department of Agricultural Extension
Bangladesh is playing a unique role in fruit production. At present, Bangladesh ranks 26th in the world in fruit production, 7th in the world especially in mango production and 8th in the world in guava production. In the last 2016-17 financial year, the amount of mango produced in Bangladesh was 12.7 lakh metric tons. Establishing orchards in homes and roof gardens in the city is now becoming popular. Coconut, palm and date cultivation activities are also on the rise across the country. Many people are becoming interested in local conventional and non-conventional fruit cultivation and the enthusiasm for foreign fruit cultivation continues.
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