United News of Bangladesh

While the season for popular mango varieties such as Amrapali, Fazli, Gopalbhog and Himsagar has ended, Katimon mangoes are keeping Naogaon’s markets active in the off-season. At Sapahar, the district’s largest mango market, farmers are bringing fresh Katimon from their orchards and buyers are continuing to purchase the fruit even after the traditional mango season. A visit to the Sapahar market on September 10 and 11 found the market bustling with Katimon mangoes. Farmers arrived with their produce in vans, while buyers gathered to purchase the fruit. Local residents said the busy market looked much like the peak mango season, although other popular varieties are no longer available. Mangoes are traditionally associated with a particular season in Bangladesh. Amrapali usually arrives early, followed by varieties, including Nak Fazli, Himsagar, Haribhanga, Gobindabhog, Langra and Gopalbhog. By the end of the regular season, mango supplies normally decline sharply. Katimon, however, has changed that pattern. Commercial cultivation of the variety has expanded in Naogaon in recent years because it can produce fruit several times a year. Mansur Ali, a farmer from Haripur, said he cultivated Katimon on 5 bighas of land and is happy with the yield. “I asked for Tk 8,000 per maund, while traders offered Tk 6,500. I will sell if I get Tk 7,000,” he said, adding that prices vary depending on the quality of the fruit. Farmers Rezaul and Siddiqur Rahman of Balukadanga said demand for Katimon remains strong because other varieties are unavailable at this time. The weather was favourable and the yield was good this year, they said, hoping of expanding their cultivation in the future. Consumers are also happy to find fresh mangoes in the market at a time when the regular season has ended. Pradip, a local buyer, said he has never seen such a busy Katimon market before. “Mangoes are not usually available at this time. Seeing such beautiful fruit makes me want to buy some for home,” he said.