Photo:BSS

KHAGRACHHARI, April 30, 2025 (BSS) - The growing appeal of agricultural-based eco-tourism in Khagrachhari district is drawing more tourists, as young entrepreneurs lead the expansion of nursery-based restaurants. These initiatives not only support environmental conservation, but also strengthen the local economy.

Both tourists and residents are thrilled by the chance to enjoy nature, while also purchasing a variety of flower and fruit seedlings from these eco-tourism destinations. Additionally, these ventures are creating job opportunities for locals, with support from the local agriculture department.

One such establishment is 'Swapna Bilas Flower Village', an agricultural-based eco-tourism center and nursery-focused restaurant, located in the Mora Para area of 24 Mile of Mahalchhari Upazila, was founded by local entrepreneur Md. Khalek Masud Sagar.

After completing his university studies, Sagar chose to build this agricultural-based restaurant instead of rushing behind traditional job. 

Surrounded by vibrant flowers and offering a selection of domestic and foreign tree seedlings, the restaurant has become a popular destination. It blends hill culture with local traditions, attracting visitors from far and wide. Locals and tourists alike gather daily, enjoying the serene natural environment while also purchasing flowers and fruit seedlings.

School teachers Nirjhara Khisa, Tapti Chakma, and Fatema Akhter, who visited from the district headquarters, shared their thoughts on the restaurant, saying visiting the place is a delightful experience. 

The vibrant array of colorful flowers and trees create a peaceful environment where one can sit, chat, share stories, and enjoy nature, they said, adding that guests also have the opportunity to gift flowers to friends or purchase seedlings of their favorite flowers and fruits.

According to the entrepreneurs, the district boasts over fifty restaurants situated in natural surroundings, where travelers can enjoy both food and entertainment. 

Eco-tourism is steadily growing, with many young entrepreneurs pursuing eco-tourism ventures rather than seeking traditional jobs. These businesses also provide employment for locals in the entertainment sector, they added.

Talking to BSS, Md. Khalek Masud Sagar, the entrepreneur behind Swapna Bilash Flower Village, shared his journey, saying after graduating from Mymensingh Agricultural University and facing a period of unemployment, he decided to venture into agriculture-based nursery and restaurant business. 

He utilized about two acres of family land to create a nursery-centered restaurant and eco-tourism center aimed at attracting tourists. Within just two years, the business thrived, and he has become financially independent through this venture, added Sagar.

He explained that his nursery currently houses approximately 30,000 seedlings from 45 different species, including trees, fruits, flowers, and medicinal plants. 

The minimum value of these seedlings is around Taka 30 lakh and so far, he has sold seedlings worth Taka 15 lakh, with plans to sell seedlings worth Taka 6 lakh this year, he revealed. 

The nursery employs four men and four women, each earning a daily wage between Taka 400-500. Additionally, students from various schools and colleges work part-time at the restaurant, earning extra income. 

Khalek Masud Sagar mentioned that after covering all expenses, he earns a monthly net profit of around Taka 50,000 from the nursery and restaurant combined.

"Beyond environmental conservation, this eco-tourism initiative is fostering social and cultural development, while also boosting the local economy," he said, extending gratitude to the local agriculture department for their support to his efforts.

Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, Mohammad Bashirul Alam said that about 50 agricultural-based eco-tourism nurseries and restaurants have been established in the district. If they get government sponsorship, the eco-tourism here will be even more prosperous, he added.