The Regional Fruit Research Centre in Binodpur, Rajshahi, is spearheading a quiet revolution in fruit cultivation through the use of modern technology.
By developing improved varieties and adopting tissue culture techniques, the centre is helping expand the cultivation of high-value crops such as mango, strawberry and dragon fruit, transforming the agricultural landscape of the Barind region.
Local youths are increasingly being encouraged to cultivate exotic fruits such as dragon fruit, malta and different varieties of guava, with many achieving commercial success.
Researchers from the University of Rajshahi have also played a significant role in the successful cultivation of these exotic fruit varieties.
Set amid lush greenery in Binodpur, the fruit research centre has emerged as a hub of innovation. Although traditionally known for mango, litchi and jujube research, the centre has expanded its work far beyond developing new varieties and continues to modernise and strengthen Bangladesh's fruit sector.
Ridwanul Karim, Scientific Officer at the Fruit Research Centre, said, "Proper pruning plays a crucial role in achieving bumper litchi yields. Many farmers are unaware of the importance of pruning. Every year after harvesting, litchi trees should be pruned so that both fruit yield and size remain optimal."
The centre also plays a vital role in mango research. It preserves and conducts research on all 18 mango varieties developed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), from BARI Mango-1 to BARI Mango-18.
Among them, BARI Mango-3 (Amrapali), BARI Mango-4 (Hybrid) and BARI Mango-14 (a coloured variety) are particularly noteworthy.
In addition, the centre maintains a rich germplasm collection comprising promising varieties sourced from home and abroad, including Surjapuri, King Chakapat, Chiang Mai, Q-Zai, Miyazaki, Dudhshar and Mallika. Research is also being conducted on popular traditional varieties such as Khirshapat, Langra, Gopalbhog, Banana Mango, Katimon and Haribhanga.
Referring to mango research, Ridwanul Karim said, "At the Fruit Research Centre, Rajshahi, we have 18 mango varieties developed by BARI, along with other local and foreign varieties preserved in our germplasm collection. We use them as parent material for hybridisation to develop new varieties."
The centre has recently collected several grape varieties, which are currently being cultivated on an experimental basis. If the trials prove successful, the improved varieties will be released for cultivation by farmers.
Research is now being carried out not only on mango and litchi but also on wax apple, guava, pomelo, grapes, jujube, coconut, jackfruit, strawberry, dragon fruit, pomegranate, phalsa, hog plum, olive, malta, blackberry, banana and papaya. Scientists are working on developing improved varieties, managing diseases and pests, enhancing production technologies and increasing yields.
The research centre also serves as an important support hub for fruit growers. Farmers from different parts of the region visit the centre seeking solutions to disease, pest and production-related problems. Plant pathologists diagnose the diseases and provide the necessary advice. �"BSS
