Year-Round Season of Sweet Mangoes in Varendra Including Godagari

Md. Haider Ali

The Varendra region’s hundreds of trees in Godagari, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon are presently filled with fruit, giving the impression of a new season even though the typical mango season ended long ago. Mangoes are being successfully harvested twice a year by farmers due to the popularity of the Thai-imported Katimon variety and creative methods used with native species. According to Godagari Upazila Agriculture Officer Ms. Mariyum Ahmed, farmers are becoming more and more interested in growing Sweet Katimon since it can be grown all year round, has significant economic potential, and sells for high prices due to out-of-season demand.

Additionally, local farmers have figured out how to improve their profits by regulating seasonal harvests. Khirshapat mangoes may grow months later because their flowers are broken off during the usual season, causing delayed blossoms to appear. Due to competition, these out-of-season fruits are presently demanding premium rates per kilo, ranging from 25,000 to 27,000 taka. Md. Mizanur Rahman, a farmer and owner of a 50-bigha mixed orchard in Godagari, highlighted the economic impact by pointing out that ripened Katimon mangoes are delicious, small-stoned, and fiberless. They sell wholesale for 200 to 400 taka per kg, which helps him make several lakh taka.

This agricultural shift’s financial success has impacted local retail markets and farming practices. To increase production, Tanore Upazila farmer Mr. Tabarak Hossain planted around 2,500 Katimon trees across 25 bighas of land after cutting down less profitable native trees. Similarly, Mr. Suman Ali, a mango vendor at Mohishalbari Bazar, stated that he is currently selling tasty, fiberless Katimon mangoes at 250 to 330 taka per kg to meet high demand from loyal consumers after suffering losses during the usual season due to low rates for local mangoes.

According to agricultural specialists, this propensity gives the fruit business in the area additional economic opportunities. According to Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Mr. Atanu Sarker, increasing the late cultivation of Khirshapat mangoes with proper equipment, maintenance, and time management can boost farmers’ earnings and open up new production opportunities. In addition, the Thai all-season species is incredibly easy to grow in tubs or on rooftops because of its tiny seed, high sweetness, and lack of fiber.