Dhaka: Agriculture adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today emphasized the need for enhancing the production of local fruits in order to meet the nutritional demands of the population.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chowdhury expressed his views during the inaugural function of the National Fruit Fair-2025 at the Krishibid Institution, Bangladesh (KIB) in Khamarbari. He pointed out the lack of awareness among people about local fruits, which are often overlooked in favor of exotic fruits like apples and grapes, despite their superior quality and taste.
The agriculture adviser, who also serves as the adviser for home, announced that the national fruit fair will be organized across sixty-four districts and in upazilas to familiarize the public with local fruits. He urged citizens to consume local fruits to conserve foreign currency and highlighted the economic benefits of increasing exports of fruits such as mangoes, jackfruits, and guavas to countries like China.
The event also featured a seminar titled “Local Fruits in Health, Nutrition and Commercialization: Current Perspective, Challenges and Prospects,” presided over by Agriculture Secretary Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian. Chowdhury mentioned that the country imports approximately 8.50 lakh tonnes of fruits annually at a cost of Taka 10,000 crore, with apples, oranges, maltas, and grapes comprising about 85 percent of these imports. He expressed optimism that the cultivation of oranges and maltas domestically will reduce import dependency over time.
Chowdhury encouraged everyone to plant at least one fruit tree each year and to consume a local fruit daily. The three-day National Fruit Fair, which he inaugurated, is being held in 431 upazilas across 64 districts, including the capital. The fair, themed “Eat more local fruits, let’s plant fruit trees,” is open to the public from 10 am to 8 pm. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about fruit farming technologies and purchase various chemical-free fruits.