Bijoynagar in Brahmanbaria—widely known as a “fruit kingdom” for its abundant production of lychee, Chinese orange, malta, jujube, mango and jackfruit—has now recorded notable success in Burmese grape (latkon) cultivation, with farmers reporting a bumper yield this season.
Farmers have cultivated Burmese grape, locally known as latkon (Baccaurea motleyana), on around 10 hectares of land this year. Growers say the crop has produced an excellent harvest due to favourable weather conditions and minimal pest infestation.
A field visit found that orchards in the red-soil hill areas and shaded locations of Bijoynagar are particularly suitable for the fruit. Trees are now heavily laden with tightly packed clusters of ripe, sweet and tangy Burmese grapes hanging in bunches.
Commercial cultivation has expanded across Champaknagar, Merasani, Singerbil, Bishnupur and Paharpur areas. Farmers say the fruit is thriving alongside other seasonal crops, further strengthening the region’s reputation as a diversified fruit-producing zone.
Harvesting and marketing have already begun, with traders arriving directly at orchards to purchase the fruit in bulk. Farmers report strong demand due to its sweet-sour taste, juicy texture and attractive appearance. The produce is being supplied to different parts of Brahmanbaria, as well as neighbouring Bhairab, Cumilla and Habiganj districts.
Latkon orchard owner Md Anwar Hossain said he introduced the crop around seven to eight years ago after bringing saplings from Mymensingh.
“Earlier, our area mainly produced lychee, jackfruit, malta and mango. Inspired by that, I brought latkon saplings from Mymensingh and planted them here. At first, many people laughed at the idea. For the past two years some trees bore fruit, but this year every tree is covered with fruit,” he said.
“We expect sales worth over Tk1 lakh or more this season. Agriculture officials regularly visit and provide guidance. With government support, commercial Burmese grape farming could expand significantly in Bijoynagar.”
Local farmer Akhtar Mia from Singerbil village said this year’s harvest has been particularly strong.
“There has been a bumper production of latkon. Traders are coming directly to the orchards and buying at Tk60–80 per kilogram,” he said.
Department of Agricultural Extension in Brahmanbaria Deputy Director Mostafa Emran Hossain, said Bijoynagar’s soil remains highly fertile and suitable for a wide range of fruit cultivation.
“The region already supplies lychee, jackfruit and other fruits to different parts of the country. Now several entrepreneurs have begun latkon cultivation on around 10 hectares of land,” he said. “The soil is suitable for this crop, which is why we are seeing a bumper yield this year. We expect sales worth around Tk15–20 lakh this season.”
