Dhaka: Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today announced that the government will work to eliminate barriers, particularly the high freight charges, hindering the export of mangoes. 'The present government, in line with its electoral manifesto, will try to expand all facilities, including reducing exorbitant freight charges for exporting agricultural products and mangoes, to make the country's exports easier and smoother,' he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks during the inauguration of the mango export event organized by the Exportable Mango Production Project (EMAPP) under the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC). He highlighted that despite the superior taste of Bangladeshi mangoes compared to those from Thailand and Pakistan, export volumes have not increased due to policy and legal challenges.
The minister identified high freight charges as a significant hurdle in exporting agricultural products, emphasizing the need to find a solution, given that air transport is the only viable means to ship these commodities abroad. Bangladesh ranks seventh in global mango production, yet exports account for less than 1% of the 25-27 lakh tonnes produced annually, due to inadequate infrastructure from production to airport shipment.
The event was graced by Agriculture Secretary Dr. Rafiqul E Mohamed as the guest of honor and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Selim Khan as the special guest. M Abdur Rahim, Director General of DAE, presided over the function, while EMAPP Project Director Arifur Rahman presented the keynote paper.
Minister Rashid further emphasized the government's commitment to prioritizing agriculture and growers, with initiatives like the Farmer Card, Family Card, and canal excavation program, interlinked with agricultural development. He urged scientists to enhance mango varieties' color and shelf life without altering their genetic makeup to meet global market demands.
Highlighting export potential, Project Director Arifur Rahman stated that the government is working to boost mango exports by strengthening good agricultural practices (GAP). Of the 72 mango varieties, only seven or eight are exported, with Amrapali making up about 80% of shipments.
The export sector faces challenges, particularly high air freight charges, limiting its potential. Mohammad Mansur, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters Association, noted that freight costs have tripled, impacting exports. He added that the lack of vapour heat treatment facilities and cooling storage also hinders competitiveness in international markets.
In 2025, Bangladeshi mangoes reached 26 countries, with the UK importing the largest volume at 686 tonnes. Other significant importers included Saudi Arabia, Italy, Kuwait, and Qatar, with China joining as a new destination. 'Bangladeshi mangoes may not always look perfect, but their taste is superior; this is why demand is so strong,' said DAE official Rahman.