With a renewed commitment to sustainable agriculture, nutrition security and youth engagement in farming, a three-day National Fruit Fair 2026 was inaugurated in Habiganj on Wednesday under the slogan: “Let us work, let us build the nation; Bangladesh first. Agriculture is prosperity. Let us cultivate fruits and preserve them throughout the year.”

The fair, organised by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Habiganj, was formally inaugurated at 11:00am at the district agricultural extension office premises by Habiganj Deputy Commissioner Dr GM Sarfraz.

The event was chaired by Agriculturist Md Akhtaruzzaman, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Habiganj, while the fair will continue until June 26.

Farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, fruit growers and representatives from various government and private organisations from across the district are showcasing indigenous and underutilised fruits, innovative farming initiatives and modern agricultural technologies.

The fair features exhibition stalls, information services, awareness campaigns, discussion sessions and free sapling distribution programmes, attracting significant interest among visitors.

Delivering the welcome address, Mohammad Anwarul Haque, District Training Officer of DAE, highlighted the importance of fruits in ensuring national nutrition security.

He said that alongside conventional fruits, many underutilised fruit varieties possess exceptional nutritional and health benefits. He encouraged visitors to explore the exhibits and learn about modern agricultural innovations being showcased during the three-day event.

Speaking as chief guest, Deputy Commissioner Dr GM Sarfraz emphasised the need for collective efforts among government agencies, farmers and entrepreneurs to build a more modern, resilient and sustainable agricultural system, particularly in the haor region.

He also called for active participation in the government's nationwide tree plantation campaign, noting that large-scale afforestation would play a vital role in environmental protection, climate change adaptation and the transition towards a sustainable low-carbon economy.

In his presidential remarks, Agriculturist Md Akhtaruzzaman said the National Fruit Fair was more than a public exhibition, describing it as an effective platform for developing a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.

He stressed the need for enhanced training opportunities, stronger institutional support and improved market access to encourage greater youth participation in agriculture.

The programme was moderated by Agriculturist AKM Maksudul Alam, Upazila Agriculture Officer of Habiganj Sadar.

During the event, 20 farmers received a total of 100 saplings of mango, jackfruit, palmyra palm, litchi and hog plum, along with bamboo stakes and organic fertiliser, free of cost.

Among those present were Agriculturist Dipak Kumar Paul, Additional Deputy Director (Horticulture), officials from district and upazila agricultural offices, representatives of various government agencies, agricultural entrepreneurs, farmers, journalists and a large number of visitors.

One of the major attractions of this year's fair was the demonstration of modern agricultural technologies.

Visitors were introduced to a refractometer, a scientific instrument used to measure fruit sweetness, sugar concentration and maturity levels.

Manjurul Arefin Sabuj, Agricultural Extension Officer of Habiganj Sadar Upazila and a member of the 38th BCS cadre, conducted a live demonstration, explaining how the technology can be used to assess fruit quality and determine market readiness through scientific methods.

The demonstration generated considerable enthusiasm among visitors, providing practical insights into technology-driven agricultural management.

Agricultural officials believe such innovations can significantly improve product quality, strengthen farmers' competitiveness and contribute to safer food production systems.

Agriculturist Dipak Kumar Paul, Additional Deputy Director (Horticulture), said initiatives like the National Fruit Fair play a crucial role in increasing fruit production, promoting nutrition awareness, protecting the environment, fostering agri-based entrepreneurship and encouraging greater youth participation in agriculture.

Over the next three days, National Fruit Fair 2026 is expected to serve as a vibrant platform connecting agriculture, nutrition, environmental sustainability, technology and entrepreneurship in Habiganj.