Meherpur, August 22, 2022 (BSS): While Chapainawabganj is widely known as the mango capital of Bangladesh, Meherpur is quickly gaining a reputation for producing delicious mangoes as well. Varieties like Himsagar, Langra, and Bombai from this region have already made their way to European markets. Now, a new addition to Meherpur’s agriculture sector is the Thai-origin Katimon mango—a year-round variety that produces fruit throughout the year.
Inspired by YouTube videos, Moin-ul-Alam, also known as Bulbul, a social worker from Amjhupi village in Meherpur Sadar Upazila, began cultivating Katimon mangoes in 2021. He planted 240 saplings of the Thai variety across 2 bighas of land. Within just one and a half years, his trees began to yield abundant blossoms and fruits. With mature mangoes, buds, and blossoms appearing simultaneously, the Katimon mango is proving to be a true year-round fruit.
Progress and Market Value
- In the current month alone, Bulbul has sold mangoes worth around Tk 50,000.
- The wholesale price of the mangoes reached Tk 200 per kilogram.
- An additional 20 to 25 maunds of mangoes are expected to be harvested and sold soon.
- Each mango weighs around 300 grams, is fiberless, and has a sweet taste, quite similar to the popular Himsagar variety.
Growing Interest Among Farmers
Inspired by Bulbul's success, Rafiqul Alam, another farmer from Amjhupi, is preparing 3 bighas of land for Katimon mango cultivation. He has already entered into an agreement with Bulbul to source saplings.
View from the Agriculture Department
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension in Meherpur, the success of this hybrid Thai Katimon mango variety will be further explored through research for wider cultivation. Nasrin Parvin, the Agricultural Officer of Sadar Upazila, stated,
“If we can promote this mango variety nationwide over the next decade, year-round mango availability will become a reality. Since it yields fruit three times a year, farmers are showing growing interest.”
The success of Katimon mango farming in Meherpur has opened new doors of possibility for mango production in Bangladesh. It holds the potential to significantly contribute to the goal of year-round mango availability across the country.
