Rajshahi: Farming of Katimon mango has revitalized 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 Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, 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. The higher value and potential for year-round production are encouraging farmers to shift to this variety. 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 manages 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. Alamin expresses optimism, saying, “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 farmers are actively planting Katimon mangoes, sourcing saplings from other areas, such as Dinajpur, to establish their orchards on lands like pond embankments. Rafiqul Islam, a resident of Durgapur upazila in Rajshahi, is breaking tradition by cultivating the non-traditional Katimon variety that grows year-round. He strategically harvests the fruit at the end of August, avoiding competition.
By capitalizing on off-season sales, Katimon mangoes bring Rafiqul 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,” he added. Rafiqul’s success has inspired many co-villagers, introducing a new dimension to the village’s economy.
Shakatwat Hossain Munshi, a mango farmer of Kanaiprara village under Puthia upazila, highlights that 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 their longer storage life compared to 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 Regional Fruit Research Station, notes that the tree of this exotic variety contains mango and flower or budding simultaneously, yielding three to four times a year against the single yield of conventional varieties. Scientists are researching this Thai variety to understand its potential for disease infestation and to assess its suitability for the region.