He found no job after finishing his studies. Lack of money ended his dream of higher education, and his attempt to go abroad also failed. For a time he worked as a mason and a farm labourer to make a living. But instead of giving up in despair, Sohanur Rahman, a young entrepreneur from Umarnagar village in Boalmari upazila of Faridpur, started growing tuberoses on just 15 decimals of land and now dreams of standing on his own feet.
Sohan could not continue his studies after passing the HSC in 2023. Because of his family’s financial difficulties he tried in many ways to find work, without success. Later, on the advice of an older friend, he became interested in farming. He leased 15 decimals of land for just Tk 5,000 and began growing tuberoses. Buying flower bulbs from Godkhali in Jessore, preparing the land, building a fence, and paying for fertiliser, pesticide and other costs brought his initial investment to about Tk 50,000.
Sohan’s venture is now paying off. So far he has sold about Tk 2 lakh worth of tuberoses from his garden. Each stem currently sells for Tk 10 to 12. Flowers from his garden go to various parts of Faridpur, including Boalmari, Alfadanga and Madhukhali, and he also supplies Magura and Jessore.
Describing his struggle, Sohanur Rahman said unemployment and poverty had once made life very hard for him. He had been disheartened when he could not find work after his studies. Later, while working for others, he began growing tuberoses out of a wish to do something of his own.
He said that although he had doubts about success at first, he has so far been able to sell about Tk 2 lakh worth of flowers, and the success has made him hopeful. In future he wants to expand the garden and create jobs for other unemployed young people in the area. He plans to grow flowers on a larger scale if he gets government or private support.
Boalmari Upazila Agriculture Officer Alvir Rahman said flower farming is a promising agricultural venture. There is demand for tuberoses in the market, and growers can profit by using modern technology, proper care and the agriculture department’s advice. Interested young entrepreneurs will be given the advice and support they need, he said.
Started with little capital on a small plot, Sohan’s venture now points to new possibilities. Alongside changing his own fortunes, he dreams of creating work for other unemployed young people. His small tuberose garden has become a promising example of self-reliance.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report