Pradeep Kumar Debnath, Belabo (Narsingdi) : Belabo is called the kingdom of Latkan. It is wonderful to see Latkan trees hanging from trees all over the place. Light pink and green pendants are hanging in bunches on the trees like grapes. The once ‘unappreciated’ pendants are now the most popular fruit of the monsoon season. This fruit has become so popular that the countrymen are waiting to taste it from the beginning of the season. Not only that, the taste of this fruit has spread abroad beyond the borders of the country. Just as various fruits and vegetables of Belabo upazila of Narsingdi are being exported abroad, Latkan is also being exported abroad by printing all over Bangladesh. Many traders are inclined to cultivate Latkan as it is more profitable at low cost. Due to its easy cultivation, high yield, favorable climate and suitable soil, Latkan is now known as one of the most lucrative fruits.
Demand for this specialty has grown significantly as a result of recent corporate scandals. This delicious and delicious fruit is one of the food items in everyone’s house this season.
As a result, many people think that Latkan cultivation is now considered as the main cultivation of the farmers in the area.
This year’s Latkan has already started coming to the local markets of Belab Upazila, Belab, Baraicha, Narayanpur, Poradia. Wholesalers of different areas come to these markets and buy them for sale in the local market. Belabar Latkan is sold in different areas including Rajshahi, Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Barisal, Khulna. Belabar Latkan is also known to be exported to Middle Eastern countries to meet the demand of the country. Good quality Latkan Pratiman is sold at TK 4,000 to 5,000. A little low quality Latkan is sold at a price of 2000 to 3000 TKs. Many have become self-sufficient in Latkan cultivation. Due to the huge demand for Latkan, many new Latkan gardens have sprung up here every year. Many nurseries are also being set up in Latkan to meet the demand.
Several farmers told Belab Daily Bangladesh that they are hoping to get a lower yield this year but higher prices. Many of the owners of Latkan’s large gardens have sold their gardens. It can be seen on the ground that the gardeners of Chandanpur, Harisangan, Amlab, Ujilab, Narayanpur, Patuli, Dapunia, Bhabla, Suturia, Bajnab have sold the fruits of their orchards in the orchards. On an average, it is being sold at Tk 1.5 lakh per bigha or Tk 2 lakh per bigha.
Bimal Sutradhar, a teacher from Chakamkhola village, said, “I have sold only one bigha of Latkan along with 2/3 of my old trees for TK 2.5 lakh.” Alfaz Uddin, another farmer from Patuli, said his two five-bigha gardens cost Tk 7 lakh. Hopefully there will be more.
Aminul Haque Afrad said, “I hope to sell my three bighas of land for Tk 5 lakh this year.” Lotcon tastes sour, nutritious. Lotkane is rich in Vitamin B-2 and Vitamin-C. In addition, the fruit is rich in various minerals including calcium, phosphorus, protein, fat, iron. The amount of vitamin C that our body needs every day is enough to meet the needs of four lotkons. Latkan also has medicinal properties. It is effective in quenching excessive thirst and nausea. Dried leaf powder cures diarrhea and reduces stress. Kamal, a trader, said, “I buy lotcon from Belab Bazar and supply it to Dhaka.” Latkan of Belabo Upazila can be seen in the alley of Oli in Dhaka. Good business is every year. This fruit is also exported from Dhaka. I keep the Latkan farmer in advance every year.
Demand for this specialty has grown significantly as a result of recent corporate scandals. Businessman Jalal Mia said. My house is in Kishoreganj, Belabar’s latkan is very sweet and delicious so you can make a profit by selling this latkan. Good quality pendants are available here. The price is four thousand to five thousand rupees. I sell Latkan in different markets here in Comilla. There is a lot of demand from the buyers as it is more delicious even though it is more expensive per kg.
Belab Upazila Agriculture Officer Nazim Ur Rouf Khan said Belab Upazila is famous for Latkan. The soil here is red and there are hills. That’s why its variety is a little more. Latkan is a high value crop of Belab upazila. Lotcon is being cultivated in about 175 hectares of land in Belab upazila.
