Rajshahi: Rajshahi is poised to become a hub for mango processing industries, driven by its massive mango output and growing market demand for processed fruit products. Experts say the region's dominance in mango production and favorable conditions offer a strong foundation for agro-industrial investment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the region alone produces 49 percent of the country's total mango production, indicating ample opportunity for establishing mango-based industries here. Dr. Alim Uddin, former chief scientific officer at Regional Fruit Research Station, highlighted that Rajshahi, along with its adjacent Naogaon and Chapainawabganj districts, is famous for its mangoes, which attract people from across the country every summer. Despite increasing production, the region still lacks proper mango preservation facilities or processing plants.
Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) anticipate approximately 2.75 lakh tonnes of production from various mango orchards spread over 28,000 hectares of land in the three districts. Mango is a significant seasonal cash crop in northwestern Bangladesh, engaging a large number of people in various types of work every season. Dr. Alim emphasized that 'value addition to agricultural products and agro-processing' aligns with government policy, which currently prioritizes agro-processing.
Masudur Rahman, President of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted the enormous scope for adding value to this seasonal cash crop. Citing the latest official data, he mentioned that 25,000 hectares yielded 2.35 lakh tonnes of mangoes in the last season, with an average yield of 13.1 tonnes per hectare. Varieties like Gopalbhog, Langra, Himsagar, Rani Pasand, Fazli, and Aswina are particularly popular among more than a hundred others cultivated in the region.
The chamber leader urged the government to upgrade Rajshahi Airport to facilitate the direct export of processed agri-products, fresh vegetables, and fruits to Middle Eastern and European countries. Increased investment in the business and industrial sector is crucial for enhancing the region's economic condition, which is vital for improving the living standards of marginalized and low-income groups.
Regarding ongoing mango production, Monzurul Huda, former director at DAE, stated that this year has been favorable for mango production. The profitability of mango farming encourages more people to engage in it, leading to an increase in cultivation acreage. However, despite the abundance of mangoes, no significant processing plant has been established in the region yet.
Various processed food items such as juice, soft drinks, pickles, jams, and jellies can be manufactured from mangoes. This sector could significantly contribute to the region's economy, given the high demand and market value of processed foods. Mangoes are perishable and require immediate consumption or processing for value addition. Modern processing plants could convert fallen mangoes, often damaged by natural calamities, into valued food items.
Monzurul Huda pointed out that while the Barind ecosystem is unsuitable for field crops, it is conducive to fruit production like mango, litchi, and jujube. Mango farmers have seen an average yield increase from 231 kilograms to 2,190 kilograms per hectare. Approximately seventy-five percent of farmers are converting cropland into mango orchards due to water scarcity, high profitability, easy cultivation, land suitability, and favorable environmental conditions for mango cultivation.
However, he cautioned that increasing mango orchard lifespans could lead to yield losses in both rice and non-rice crops, potentially decreasing food grain, pulses, oil seed, and vegetable production over time. Therefore, he advocated for planned mango cultivation and ensured credit facilities from institutional and non-institutional sources for mango cultivation, preservation, and marketing.