RAJSHAHI, June 17, 2022 (BSS) - Agricultural extension and research officials view that plantation of adequate fruit trees is very important for ensuring nutritional demands, food security, ecological balance and biodiversity.
 
Highlighting various significance of the fruit and fruit trees in terms of the present social and national aspects, they unanimously put emphasis on transforming the tree plantation campaign into a social movement.
 
They came up with the observations while addressing the inaugural ceremony of a three-day fruit fair at the office premises of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) here Thursday afternoon.

DAE district office and Paba Upazila office jointly organized the fair.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abdul Jalil addressed the ceremony as chief guest, while DAE Deputy Director Mozder Hossain was in the chair.

Principal Scientific Officer of Fruit Research Station Dr Alim Uddin, DAE District Training Officer Umme Salma, Additional Deputy Directors Towfukur Rahman and Uttam Kumar Kabiraj also spoke.

In his remarks, Dr Alim Uddin said in terms of food and nutritive values green and ripe fruits are vital as these are enriched with enormous vitamin A, B, C, calcium and iron which are essential for human body irrespective of age and sex. So, boosting fruit farming is very important and helpful for the society as a whole.
 
He said many health experts are seen suggesting the patients to consume more citrus fruits to protect them from infectious diseases with early recovery.

DC Abdul Jalil said the present government is committed to encourage and motivate the people towards more fruit tree plantation for boosting fruit production to meet up the country's demand.
 
He said promotion of adequate fruit trees is very important for ensuring nutritional demands coupled with food security, ecological balance and biodiversity.
 
All irrespective of age, sex, creed and caste to plant fruit saplings around their respective homesteads or on any open space to help maintain environmental and ecological balance and save the region from the wrath of any future natural catastrophe.
 
He said there is no alternative to plant more saplings to protect the ecology after facing the adverse impact of climate change in the region.
 
All concerned should put in their best effort to make the region green by increasing fruit trees area.
 
Different government and non-government organizations and individuals including entrepreneurs and volunteers have set up 35 stalls in the fair premises displaying over 50 fruit varieties.