Chirirbandar: A young entrepreneur from Chirirbandar upazila of Dinajpur has achieved remarkable success through the commercial cultivation of kath lichu (longan), earning more than Taka 10 lakh from fruit sales this season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Moniruzzaman Rifat, 35, from Jotkrishtapur village under Bhiyail union, has established a two-acre orchard where he cultivates more than 100 trees of two premium Vietnamese varieties, Pingkon and Pingpong. Rifat reported that he has already sold kath lichu worth around Taka 10 lakh this year, while also preparing around 1,000 saplings for sale, adding a new revenue stream.
Rifat explained that kath lichu is currently selling for Taka 200 to Taka 250 per kilogram in domestic markets, with significant demand from Dhaka, Chattogram, and other districts. The Vietnamese varieties are gaining popularity in Bangladesh due to their high market value and increasing consumer demand.
Md. Ejamul Haque, Deputy Director of the Dinajpur Horticulture Department, recently inspected Rifat's orchard and described it as a promising example of commercial fruit farming in northern Bangladesh. He noted that if proper orchard management and marketing systems are implemented, commercial kath lichu cultivation could become a profitable venture for farmers in Dinajpur and other northern districts.
Rifat shared that his interest in cultivating kath lichu developed while working in the administrative department of a company in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. After returning home, he purchased improved kath lichu saplings from a nursery in June 2022 and planted them around his poultry farm. Following four years of care, the trees are now producing abundant fruit, leading to increased earnings.
The orchard has attracted many farmers and young entrepreneurs from nearby districts, with many buying saplings to establish their own orchards. Rifat is selling 100 saplings for Taka 10,000 to Taka 12,000, depending on their size, and expects to earn at least Taka 1 lakh from sapling sales.
Johra Sultana, Chirirbandar Upazila Agriculture Officer, highlighted that Rifat is the first expatriate-returned entrepreneur in the upazila to establish a commercial kath lichu orchard. She described kath lichu as a nutritious and delicious tropical fruit, with the Vietnamese Pingpong variety having a lower incidence of pests and diseases, allowing for safe production with minimal pesticide use.
Md. Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Dinajpur, also visited the orchard and expressed satisfaction with Rifat's achievement. The Agriculture Department is committed to supporting young entrepreneurs interested in establishing similar commercial kath lichu orchards in the region.