Katimon mango farming vibrates local economy in Rajshahi

Farming of Katimon mango has revitalised the local economy as many people built their fortunes after cultivating the off-season mango in the region, including the vast Barind tract, during the last couple of years.

According to the sources concerned, Katimon is a newer, exotic variety compared to the long-established mangoes of the region, and its large-scale commercial feasibility is still being explored.

Higher value, potential for year-round production are encouraging farmers.

Katimon mango farming is a growing but still relatively new practice in Rajshahi, with the Thai variety's ability to produce three to four yields per year offering year-round income potential for farmers. 
 
Unlike conventional varieties that have a single harvest season, typically from May to mid-August, Katimon mango trees can produce fruit multiple times a year, with flowers and fruit appearing simultaneously. 

This unique characteristic provides farmers with a steady income stream, breaking the traditional three-to-four-month harvest window.

The rising demand for Katimon saplings is also creating opportunities for nurseries, further boosting the local economy. 

Alamin Hossain, a mango grower of Babunagar village under Shibganj Upazila in Chapainawabganj district, has been farming the mango variety for the last four to five years and has become an icon in this field.
 
He has two orchards, one at Mundumala in Tanore Upazila and another at Kakonhat under Godagari Upazila in Rajshahi district, having more than 6,000 katimon mango trees in his orchards.

Alamin said, "I'm very much hopeful of harvesting 1,300 mounds of mangoes this time. The mangoes are being sold at Taka 150 to 170 per kilogram at present."
    
The success of early Katimon plantations and the prospect of year-round harvests are making the variety increasingly popular among local farmers.

Many of the farmers are actively planting Katimon mangoes. They are sourcing saplings from other areas, such as Dinajpur, to establish their orchards on land like pond embankments. 

Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Durgapur upazila in Rajshahi, is breaking tradition when it comes to mango farming as he cultivates a non-traditional variety called Katimon that grows year-round.

He only harvests the fruit at the end of August, when the traditional mango season usually comes to an end. As a result, he faces no competition.

By taking advantage of the off-season sales, Katimon mangoes bring him three times higher profit compared to traditional varieties.

"I harvest the fruit only when it is not the mango season, as they rule the market amid a lack of competitors," added Islam.

Rafiqul Islam has established an orchard of the Catimon mango variety in his village, inspiring many of his co-villagers to follow the path and bringing a new dimension to the village's economy.
 
With the passing of time, many high-yielding mangoes and modern technologies are coming and enriching the mango production sector, gradually vibrating the region's economic sector.

Shakatwat Hossain Munshi, a mango farmer of Kanaiprara village under Puthia upazila, said almost every year, new varieties of mangoes are being cultivated here through testing their quality.

Many growers have also raised nurseries alongside their orchards for selling Katimon saplings amid the increasing demand.
    
Another benefit of Katimon mangoes is that they can be stored for longer than other varieties.

The variety's potential for profit and extended harvest season make it an attractive option, though the year-round management costs are a concern for some agricultural officials. 

Dr Shafiqul Islam, Principal Scientific Officer of the Regional Fruit Research Station, said the tree of the exotic variety contains mango and flower or budding simultaneously, giving yield three to four times in a year against the single one of the conventional varieties.

Scientists are researching this Thai variety to understand its potential for disease infestation and to assess its suitability for the region.