Chandpur farm achieves commercial success with 22 varieties of exotic longan
Photo Collected
A commercial orchard in Chandpur’s Shahatali village, known for its diverse collection of exotic mangoes, has achieved a significant agricultural milestone by successfully cultivating 22 premium varieties of longan. The project, operated by Fruits Valley Agro, marks a shift toward local production of high-value tropical fruits that have traditionally been imported.
Longan, a fruit native to Southeast Asia and famously dubbed the “Dragon Eye” in China due to its unique appearance—a translucent white flesh surrounding a black seed—is known for its sweet aroma and high nutritional profile. Despite the substantial initial investment required to adapt these varieties to the local climate, the orchard’s success in growing the fruit on the sandy soil of a former brick kiln site suggests a promising future for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh.
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The orchard currently serves as a hub for botanical experimentation, hosting 75 varieties of mangoes alongside the 22 types of longan sourced from Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Malaysia. While these longan varieties are still maturing, the orchard management expects to initiate commercial marketing by the end of July. Visitors and local traders have praised the organic nature of the produce, noting that local cultivation offers a healthier, chemical-free alternative to imported fruits often treated with preservatives.
Beyond mangoes and longan, the facility features an expansive collection of 37 exotic fruit species, including avocado, rambutan, persimmon, dragon fruit, and jaboticaba. According to project entrepreneur Helal Uddin, the primary objective of the venture is to conduct long-term research on climate adaptability. By identifying which varieties thrive in local conditions, the project aims to train local farmers in cultivating these high-value crops, ultimately reducing the country’s reliance on fruit imports while opening doors for potential exports.
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Agricultural officials have lauded the initiative, highlighting it as an exceptional achievement for the sector. Mohammad Abu Taher, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Chandpur, stated that the integration of modern agricultural technology, proper variety selection, and strategic planning could position longan as one of the most profitable fruits in the country. He noted that if the current momentum is sustained, the project could serve as a model for diversifying agricultural exports and boosting rural income across the region.
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