Photo : BSS

By Abbas Hossain

LAKSHMIPUR, Dec 3, 2025 (BSS) – The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has targeted to sell green coconut worth Taka 50 crore this year as growers have intensified their efforts for increasing production in Lakshmipur.  

Benefiting from high-quality yield and strong market demand, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has intensified efforts to boost production—an initiative that has already brought success to local farmers. This year, the Agriculture Department has set a target of selling green coconut worth Taka 50 crore.

According to the DAE, coconut cultivation is underway on about 3,000 hectares across the district’s five upazilas. Official figures showed that Lakshmipur produces around 26,960 metric tons of coconuts annually, valued at approximately Taka 50 crore. 

Of this, about 18,400 metric tons are green coconut, generating an estimated Taka 30 crore. Authorities say private production is even higher.

Due to the high quality of Lakshmipur’s green coconut, market demand remains significant nationwide. Farmers have long been selling it directly from the tree to wholesalers. Each green coconut currently sells for Taka 70–80 at the local level, later reaching Taka 120–150 in retail markets after passing through multiple traders.

Although traders buy green coconut from farmers at Taka 60–70, retail prices nearly double, often depending on size. 

The DAE notes that farmers prefer selling green coconut rather than mature coconuts as it brings better profit margins. Officials expect revenues from green coconut sales alone to reach Taka 50 crore this year.

Local traders said that while they buy green coconut for Taka 70–80 each, the overall cost increases due to labor and transportation. A gachi—the person who climbs coconut trees—charges Taka 100 per climb. 

Additional expenses include transport by van or truck from rural areas to major markets. After covering all costs, traders typically earn Taka 20–30 profit per green coconut. They added that Lakshmipur’s green coconut is known for its taste and enjoys high demand nationwide.

Farmer Tofail Ahmed of Dalal Bazar in Sadar upazila said that favorable weather, low pest infestation, and proper tree maintenance ensure high yields and good prices every year. He has already sold coconuts worth Taka 50,000 this season.

Farmers Yusuf Hossain and Nuruzzaman from the same area noted that many farmers are shifting to coconut and green coconut cultivation because it requires low investment and minimal maintenance.

They said demand for green coconut is far higher in the region, leading most farmers to sell their produce in its raw form.

District DAE Deputy Director Md. Zahir Uddin said that coconut and green coconut from Lakshmipur are supplied to various districts including Dhaka and Chattogram, and some are even exported abroad. 

He confirmed that farmers are prioritizing green coconut sales due to higher profitability, and the department expects about Taka 50 crore in earnings from green coconut alone this year.

He added that green coconut water contains essential nutrients and is often recommended by doctors, especially during dengue outbreaks. “During dengue, every patient tries to consume green coconut water, which further boosts its demand,” he said, noting that farmers are benefiting from the increased market price.