M.A. Awal, Narisngdi :Cultivation of Latkan, a local delicious fruit has gained popularity among people of Narsingdi district. A large number of marginal farmers mainly in the reddish lands of Shibpur, Raipura, Polash and Belabo upazilas of the district have been able to change their fate in the past few years by cultivating Lotkan. Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) officials sources said Lotkan cultivation the delicious fruit become popular since 1990. Many people here now have been cultivating Lotkan in their homestead garden due to its economic aspect. Lotkan saplings need a little space to grow up. Two Lotkan sapling need maximum 8 to 10 feet space to grow fast. After plantation the sapling the tree bloom within three or four years. Deputy Dirctor of DAE Narsingdi Latafot Hossain told The New Nation that Lotkan tree generally growing on high fallow land where scope of other crop cultivation is limited. Some 200 saplings can be planted on per bigha of land, which is produces, an average of 100 to 120 mounds of Lotkan per year. The fruit is small and round in sixe like Litchi. The Juicy fruit has more nutrition properties then that of common fruits, Lotkan has extreme demand because of its nice colour, sweet and flavour. Per Kg Lotkan is now selling at Tk 50 to 60. The Deputy Director said no statistics available in nay Government officers as they do not maintain data in this respect According to unofficial sources there are at present 10 lakh Lotkan trees in the district mainly Shibpur and Belabo upazila, Each tree bear 20 to 30 kg fruits every year. Dipu Day of Polash upazila planted over 500 sapling of Lotkan on his three bighas of land at Borabo area five years ago. The plants growing well and bloom more this year. Harvesting of crop has begun from first week of Bangla month Ashar. Dipu Day expressed his satisfaction over the production of Lotkan in his orchards this season.
