The main mango season is over, but the Thai year-round Katimon variety is on sale in Dhaka and other markets at Tk 160 to Tk 300 a kilo, depending on size and quality; a kilo holds three large fruit or four to six smaller ones. Good off-season prices are drawing more farmers to grow it commercially, Agricare24 reports, citing Daily Bangladesh.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Katimon is grown in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Natore, Naogaon, Meherpur and elsewhere. It usually fruits three times a year, in May-June, August-September and November-December, and with good care and weather can flower at the start of winter.
The trees are relatively small, so they can be planted densely, more per hectare than conventional large mango trees. Setting up an orchard and early care cost more, but management is simpler afterwards. Commercial planting is spreading in Naogaon, Chapainawabganj and other northern districts, and many growers and traders sell directly to buyers through social media and online platforms.
A Katimon usually weighs 200 to 350 grams. Its flesh is juicy and fibreless with a thin stone, and the ripe skin shows yellow and light green.
There are risks. Off-season heavy rain and severe cold can damage the blossom, and shortfalls in disease control, quality, storage and long-distance transport can cost growers and traders money.
People in the sector say safe production, modern packaging, a cold chain and controlled transport could also open off-season export opportunities.
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Source: Agricare24
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