Coffee is grown in the hill tracts and North Bengal of the country. But, agriculturists think, the entire country is eligible for coffee cultivation as the weather is befitting. Even it can be grown on the rooftop.
Coffee agronomy likely in all districts
Apart from the hilly regions of Bangladesh Coffee is being farmed in the north Bengal districts including Nilphamari and Dinajpur.
However as the weather of the country is very suitable for cultivating the crop, the government is planning to extend the agronomy across the country. In this context, seedlings are being found in nurseries for coffee cultivation in Patuakhali.
Less capital for coffee cultivation
Cultivating coffee plants needs less capital. Each seedling is being sold at taka 250-300. A cutting of the plant gives the green coffee fruit within 2 years. An average of 3 kg of coffee fruit is obtained from a single tree. From which about 1 kg of coffee powder can be made. Due to its small size and spread, many trees can be planted in a small area.
Coffee is preserved in a native way
October to February is the time for coffee harvesting. However, coffee fruits will be harvested this year in a local way. The broken coffee seeds will be crushed and dried in the sun for 40 to 60 minutes depending on the heat. For now, the garden authorities are thinking of processing the coffee produced in this way.
Kazi Lutful Bari, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Moulvibazar, said coffee was being cultivated in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT). Moulvibazar has similar soil and weather with CHT. Our soil is acidic. Coffee will also be cultivated here.
Types of Coffee in the country
Two varieties of coffee are being cultivated in the country--Arabica and Robusta. The yield of Robusta coffee is higher. In addition, it has fewer disease and pest attacks. However, since it tastes bitter, the price is lower in the world market. However, the demand for Arabic varieties of coffee is higher in the global market. It tastes sweet. But its yield is less and disease risk is more. Therefore, the farmers are expecting the right direction from the Department of Agriculture before cultivating coffee.
No use of advanced technology
Although coffee cultivation has started, advanced technology is not being used for its preservation and processing. Coffee is being marketed in a local way by drying it in the sun.
Public Relations Officer of the Department of Agricultural Extension Parvez Hossain said, coffee cultivation has been going on in the country for 5 to 6 years. Since it has started commercially, now everyone will lean towards advanced technology. The Department of Agricultural Extension will provide appropriate assistance in this regard.
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