Bumper harvest of Jujube in Ramu Upazila

Jujubee Garden in Ramu Upazila is giving a bumber harvest this season. Photo Tanzila Rahman

Tanzila Rahman

Jujube, locally known as Kul or Boroi, is a popular fruit in Bangladesh for its sweet and tangy taste, nutritional value, and adaptability to the country's climate. This small yet nutrient-packed fruit has captured the interest of farmers and consumers alike.

Tanzila Rahman,UAO, Ramu. Coxs Bazar 

Jujube or Kul Boroi is often referred to as a “super fruit” due to its numerous health benefits. Jujube is a powerhouse of essential vitamins like Vitamin C, A, and B-complex, as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.

Jujube is rich in dietary fiber, promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation. It boosts immunity, aids digestion, improves sleep and reduces stress. It is good for skin as well.

In Ramu Upazila, Cox’s Bazar, cultivation and production of jujube or Kul Boroi has increased significantly in recent years. This year Ramu witnessed a bumper production of Kul Boroi. It may be mentioned here that Kul Boroi was cultivated on 16 hactare of land in Ramu Upazila. Different varieties of Kul Boroi including Baukul, Narikalkul, Sundarikul Applekul, etc. were cultivated in the Upazila. These were mostly grown in Eidgor union. Being hilly area plus favorable weather, Ramu is quite suitable for Kul Boroi cultivation.

The Kul Boroi is very sweet and tasty; appreciating its profitability, farmers are turning to jujube cultivation. Kul Boroi is even replacing tobacco cultivation in the area. After meeting the local demand, Ramu’s Kul Boroi is being sent to other parts of the country.

Ramu Upzila krishi Office keeps regular communication with jujube farmers and provides them necessary technical support. As a result Ramu Upazila witnessed a bumper production of Kul Boroi.

Being an adaptable crop, Jujube plays a significant role in Bangladesh's agriculture and economic sectors. With the increasing demand for jujube in both domestic and international markets, many farmers are shifting towards its cultivation for better profitability. Jujube is a favorite snack for people across the country, consumed fresh, dried, or processed into pickles and candies. It is commonly associated with traditional practices and festivities in rural areas.

Jujube cultivation promotes income generation too. In conclusion, jujube is not only a delicious and nutritious fruit but also an important contributor to Bangladesh’s agriculture and economy. With its wide health benefits and increasing popularity, the cultivation of jujube holds a great promise for the future. This author feels that because of high demand and profit, farming of Jujube should be expanded in Bangladesh and to achieve this goal, the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) should also strengthen its existing jujube extension efforts to bring more areas under jujube or Kul Boroi cultivation.

(Tanzila Rahman is Upazila Agriculture Officer (UAO), Ramu, Cox’s Bazar)