Sherpur, Aug 28 (V7N)- Commercial cultivation of roses in various colors has brought new possibilities to the Garo Hills of Sherpur. The high-value flower is turning previously uncultivated land into productive farmland while also helping protect crops from wild elephants because of the thorns on rose plants.
With the prospect of additional income, local farmers are increasingly becoming interested in rose cultivation. At the same time, the initiative is creating employment opportunities for unemployed young people in the area.
Locals said wild elephants once roamed freely across the region, frequently damaging croplands. In 2022, a farmer named Mohammad Ali began commercially cultivating colorful roses in Sandhyakura village on the advice of the Agriculture Office.
Since then, wild elephants have reportedly stopped entering the rose garden. Encouraged by the success of the initiative, local entrepreneurs have subsequently established 12 more rose gardens.
Roses of different colors produced in these gardens are now being supplied to various parts of the country, including Dhaka.
The gardens have also become an attraction for visitors, with people coming to see the colorful rose fields every day. Many visitors are reportedly becoming interested in cultivating roses on their own unused land.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agricultural Extension is providing farmers with necessary training and technical advice on rose cultivation. Officials are also conducting regular field visits to monitor the gardens and provide assistance to growers.
Farmers and local entrepreneurs hope that the expansion of commercial rose cultivation will further boost the local economy while creating new sources of income and employment in the Garo Hills.
END/SMA/AJ
