Bumper Yield for Morelganj Farmer Cultivating Katimon Mangoes

Farmer Haldar Ruhul Momin Mukul of Khalkula village in Bagerhat's Morelganj upazila has gained widespread local acclaim for his successful Katimon mango cultivation. Fulfilling a childhood dream of self-employment, Mukul now supplies chemical-free mangoes nationwide through online sales.

Mukul began his commercial venture in 2020, planting 100 Katimon seedlings brought from Chuadanga on his father's two-acre plot. Earning a profit of Tk 50,000 in his first year, he expanded the orchard to 300 trees. Over recent years, high market demand and excellent yields have consistently generated up to Tk 2.5 lakh in annual sales.

During a recent visit to the orchard, trees were seen heavily laden with fruit. The Katimon variety is highly sought after for its sweet taste and notably thin seeds. Currently, the mangoes are selling for Tk 100 to Tk 150 per kilogram. With an estimated Tk 1 lakh spent on orchard maintenance and labor this year, Mukul expects his sales to reach Tk 5 lakh to Tk 6 lakh.

"Mango cultivation was historically uncommon in this remote, saline-prone area," Mukul explained. "However, improved freshwater access has led to bumper yields. I am proud to offer buyers safe, chemical-free mangoes." While many buyers visit the orchard to pick the mangoes themselves, Mukul also takes orders by phone (01714509337) and ships them nationwide via courier.

Morelganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Saiful Islam noted that Katimon mangoes command a premium price due to strong market demand. "While there are smaller orchards in nearby unions like Khaulia and Bongram, farmer Mukul's commercial success in Khalkula has created a massive response across the upazila," he said.