KHULNA, July 11, 2024 (BSS) - The government distributed a total of 3, 40,000 coconut saplings free of cost worth around TK 4.68 cr. among 68,000 marginal farmers in the last financial year.

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) officials said a total of 68,000 farmers got 3, 40,000 coconut saplings in four districts under Khulna agri zone consisting of Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and Narail.

In Khulna, a total of 2,25,000 coconut saplings worth around Tk 3.09 cr. were distributed among 45,000 marginal farmers.

In Bagerhat, a total of 75,000 coconut saplings worth around Tk 1.09 cr. were distributed among 15,000 marginal farmers.

In Satkhira and Narail, 25,000 and 15,000 coconut saplings worth around Tk 34.38 lakh and 20.63 have been distributed among 5,000 and 3,000 farmers respectively.

DAE Additional director of Khulna Region Mohon Kumar Ghosh said coconut farming is very popular in our country.

In order to meet the demand, the government distributes coconat saplings every year during the rainy season because rainy season is the best time for coconut farming, he said.

Once, before 80s, in the southern part of Bangladesh, a large number of coconut trees would have been seen, Mohon Kumar said, adding that the present government is trying to increase coconut trees with a view to meet the demand.

Side by side giving coconut saplings, we are advising the farmers so that coconut farming can be increased in this region, he added.