Like other parts of the country, people are becoming interested in roof gardens in Barisal. Especially in Barisal city the number of roof gardens is increasing day by day. At the same time, urban people are interested in creating small-scale gardens on the verandas and courtyards of the houses.
It has been found out that for the last half a century, gardens have been being built on the roofs of multi-storied buildings in Barisal city on the initiative of individuals. In those gardens, besides flowers, fruit trees can be seen. Many people are succeeding in these small and big gardens with time and labor. Seeing their success, many more are inclined to create roof gardens.
Barisal Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (North) has achieved great success by cultivating the roof garden out of love for trees. Khairul Alam and his wife Dilruba Alam.
From an early age, the two were interested in planting and caring for trees. Although the couple lived in rented accommodation at different times due to the landlord's job, their love for the tree never diminished. Although on a small scale in the verandah, he planted trees and also took care of them. Following this, after joining the Barisal Metropolitan Police, he planned to build a garden on the roof of a rented house on Polytechnic Road in the city.
Talking to the landlord, he started gardening on the roof of the four-storey building at the end of 2016. Khairul Alam said, ‘At that time I planted some small dragon fruit trees in the roof garden along with various flowers and fruits. Although planted in fruit trays at first, the plants grow in a very short time and are no longer in separate tubs. Then at the end of 2019 the first fruit. And this year has borne fruit unimaginably. The dragon fruit is very tasty. '
Dilruba Alam, the wife of a tree-loving policeman, said, ‘I started planting trees from my love for trees. I got success by planting vegetables, fruits and flowers on the roof of the house before marriage. I have continued this trend even after coming to my own family. Thanks to my husband's job, I have done roof farming wherever I have been posted. I was able to do that even after coming to Barisal. At present my roof-list includes dragon, mango, blackberry, guava, grape, sugarcane, lemon, eggplant, rice, pumpkin, spinach, mint, coriander, bonsai, bamboo, aloe vera, basil and other species of fruits and medicinal plants. Also on my collection list are more than 72 species of ornamental flowering plants, including Night Queen and Cactus. I am mingling with nature by taking care of the roof garden. '
Regarding the production of dragon fruit in the roof garden, he said, ‘It is very easy to cultivate. Our soil is very fertile. If we can use this soil properly, we will not have any shortage of food and nutrition. The country will be more self-reliant if every person moves forward in agriculture. '
Deputy Commissioner Khairul Alam said it would take a few hours to count the number of trees in their garden. During the lockdown, they collected most of the vegetables from their roof garden. He is happy to be able to give the various crops of the garden to his neighbors and acquaintances.
He said, ‘It is very nice to see the flowers and fruits in the garden. It's nice to walk in the garden on a moonlit night and sit on the mat. '
He thinks that such a garden can relieve the fatigue of those who are at work like him in this lockdown, working in a monotonous manner, not getting leave.
Fahima Haque, an official at the Barisal Metropolitan Agriculture Office, said, "What is done in the roof garden is an extra benefit. It is an additional production for agriculture. If there was no agriculture on the roof, it would be empty, so we call it extra benefit. '
Recently, the cultivation of dragons in the roof garden in Barisal has increased, he said, "This fruit is not available in the market yet. However, as the cultivation of dragons is increasing in the roof gardens, the production is also getting better. At least the people of the roof garden-centric houses are able to eat this nutritious fruit. Dragon is a very tasty, nutritious fruit. In particular, it works as a herbal medicine to cure cancer.
Rahmatpur Agricultural College Vice President. Nazrul Islam said, "Residents of the city can meet their needs in comfort by producing safe fruits and vegetables on the roof of the building and also contribute to agriculture." There is also an opportunity to enjoy the natural environment and fascinating scenery by cultivating flowers. '
He said the government was raising awareness about roof gardening through the Department of Agricultural Extension.
Very impressive thinking of the way you make gardens. That's helpful to our surroundings because it makes the nature as fresh as new 😍