A few words about ALO horticultural plot.
(A Multi purpose initiative for organizational development)
Since establishment of the organization, one of the main objectives was to establish ALO as a self-reliant organization and to be self-sufficient in the future. With that objective and goal in mind, various action plans are formulated such as: 2% donation from the working staff, undertake of income generating activities, adoption of cost saving policy, etc. In 2006, 5 acres of hilly land was purchased in the name of the organization for 500,000 BDT and was registered in the same year. Firstly,
ALO Horticultural Plot
it was not possible to take any initiatives on the site for 3/4 years but some forest Saplings were planted. In 2009, AlO’s started income generating activities with the planting of 600 Amrapali mango saplings as per the plan. Apart from Amrapali, various varieties of fruit saplings were also planted for display. Significant production was not possible in the first 3/4 years due to lack of experience in horticulture and lack of technical assistance as required along with marketing problems at that time.
The following initiatives are then taken: ·
- Plans were made to increase production by communicating with the Agriculture Office;·
- Increased monitoring activities ·
- Increased contact with local mango growers, representatives of various pharmaceutical companies·
- Sharing experiences and problems with each other·
- To take initiative in the development of communication including road networks system·
- Take action when needed
Staffs are engaged with tree plantation.
As a result of taking the initiative·
- Production has increased·
- Network has created·
- The familiarity of the horticultural plot has increased·
- Accessibility to the plot as a result of improved communication systems·
- Increased income comparatively
Current condition:
Overall, the condition of AlO horticulture plot is very good at present. In addition to mangoes, oranges, lemons, maltas, dragons, the garden has almost all improved varieties of fruit trees. Mango, Orange, Lemon, Malta, Dragon and other fruits such as Rambhutan, Avocado, Kiwi, Durian, Persimmon, Mulberry, Egyptian Delicious Figs and many more varieties are ready for sale. There are currently 22 varieties of mangoes.
Acknowledgments
- This initiative would not have been possible without the cooperation and contribution of all the staff from the beginning to the present time; ·
- All the consultants/advisors including the Executive Committee and the employees of the organization;