Lakshmipur: The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set an ambitious target of selling green coconut worth Taka 50 crore this year, as local growers in Lakshmipur ramp up efforts to increase production.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, coconut cultivation is actively underway across approximately 3,000 hectares in the district's five upazilas, with an annual production of about 26,960 metric tons of coconuts, valued at Taka 50 crore. Of this, around 18,400 metric tons are green coconuts, expected to generate Taka 30 crore, with private production potentially even higher.
The high quality of Lakshmipur's green coconuts sustains significant nationwide demand. Farmers typically sell directly to wholesalers, with each green coconut fetching Taka 70-80 locally and retailing for Taka 120-150 after passing through multiple traders. Although traders purchase at Taka 60-70, retail prices nearly double depending on size.
The DAE highlights that green coconuts offer better profit margins compared to mature coconuts, with expected revenues from green coconut sales alone reaching Taka 50 crore this year. Local traders note that while they buy green coconuts for Taka 70-80 each, additional costs arise from labor and transportation, including Taka 100 per climb by a gachi, leading to a profit of Taka 20-30 per coconut.
Farmer Tofail Ahmed from Dalal Bazar in Sadar upazila attributes high yields and good prices to favorable weather, low pest infestation, and proper tree maintenance. He has already sold coconuts worth Taka 50,000 this season. Farmers Yusuf Hossain and Nuruzzaman also report a shift towards coconut cultivation due to low investment and minimal maintenance requirements, with higher demand for green coconuts leading to their sale in raw form.
Md. Zahir Uddin, District DAE Deputy Director, stated that coconuts from Lakshmipur are distributed to various districts, including Dhaka and Chattogram, with some exports abroad. He confirmed that the focus on green coconut sales is driven by higher profitability, with the department forecasting earnings of about Taka 50 crore from green coconut alone. Additionally, he noted that green coconut water, rich in essential nutrients, is often recommended during dengue outbreaks, further boosting demand and benefiting farmers from increased market prices.