Mahmud Hasan Stalin, a young agricultural entrepreneur from Ghughri village in Pantapara Union, Maheshpur, Jhenaidah, has achieved remarkable success cultivating passion fruit, locally known as Anar Kali or Tang Fruit. While the crop has previously been grown in the country’s hilly regions, Stalin is the first to establish commercial cultivation on the plains.
Known for its mildly sweet and tangy flavor, the Anar Kali fruit is gaining popularity across Bangladesh, with wholesale prices ranging from Tk 10 to Tk 15 per piece. The fruit can be grown entirely organically, without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, which reduces production costs and eliminates health risks. Its distinctive taste and aroma are opening new opportunities in the country’s fruit production sector.
Mahmud Hasan Stalin began his agricultural career six to seven years ago, aiming to introduce modern and advanced technologies to farming. Initially, he cultivated dragon fruit, oranges, guava, and grapes on about six bighas of land. In mid-2022, he became interested in passion fruit and planted it experimentally on 2 percent of his land. Last year, he earned approximately Tk 30,000 from the harvest. This year, the yield has increased, generating about Tk 100,000 from just two sotok (0.02 hectares) of cultivation. He has now expanded the plantation to 2.5 bighas.
Stalin stated, “When I first started, no one knew about this fruit. Now, thanks to YouTube and Facebook, more people recognize Anar Kali, and local demand has increased significantly.” He added that cultivation on two sotok yielded excellent results, prompting him to expand to 2.5 bighas. “On average, one bigha can generate Tk 1.2–1.4 million annually from Anar Kali sales.”
The fruit is grown on trellises, with each plant bearing hundreds of fruits. It requires no chemical fertilizers and can be cultivated entirely organically, making it a safe and nutritious option rich in vitamin C, iron, zinc, and vitamin A.
Local residents have praised Stalin’s farm. Manik Hossain said, “People come from far and wide to see Stalin’s Anar Kali garden. Even on a small plot, thousands of fruits grow on each plant, and the fruit is delicious.” Local farmer Tipu Sultan added, “At first, no one knew about this fruit and many laughed at the farm. Once the fruits appeared, everyone was amazed. People from Chattogram, Barishal, Noakhali, and Khulna are visiting to buy the fruit.”
Stalin has also started producing seedlings, which are in high demand. Officials from the Jhenaidah District Agriculture Extension Office, including Deputy Director Krishibid Md. Kamruzzaman, confirmed that the district is promoting both domestic and foreign fruit cultivation and providing guidance and support to farmers like Stalin.
