Rajshahi: The mango festival has started bustling markets and reviving the local economy almost everywhere in the region, particularly in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon districts, over the past few days. Harvesting of the seasonal fruit began last Thursday, generating employment for many people in harvesting, sorting, transportation, and marketing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, administrative decisions have allowed farmers to harvest local and indigenous varieties of mangoes. Different varieties of mangoes are set to be harvested on specific dates, with Gopalbhog starting from May 22 and others like Ranipachhand and Lakhna from May 25. Anwar Hossain, a mango grower from Koyerdara, explained that around 300 local varieties will ripen naturally over the next few weeks.
Anwar Hossain Polash of Bagha Upazila reported that large native mango varieties are being sold at Taka 1,400 per maund, while smaller ones are fetching Taka 800-1,000. Compared to last season, prices are somewhat lower. Sohel Rana, a mango trader for 15 years, leased about 500 trees this year and expressed optimism about better trading prospects.
Within the next few weeks, mango trading is expected to gain momentum in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon markets as newly harvested mangoes appear. Famous markets like Baneswar, Shaheb Bazar, and others will become bustling hubs for mango business.
Umme Salma, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, stated that there are nearly 3,363,986 mango trees across 19,578 hectares in Rajshahi, expecting a yield of 13.20 tonnes per hectare. Masudur Rahman, President of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted a production target generating a market value of around Taka 10,000 crore. Bagha Upazila is a leading mango-producing area, with exports reaching 10 countries last year.
Anwarul Haque, President of the Rajshahi Agro Food Producer Society, noted that mango exports to various countries have been increasing, enhancing foreign currency earnings. He emphasized the growing adoption of the fruit-bagging method, reducing pesticide use and boosting poison-free mango production.
Dr. Shafiqul Islam, Principal Scientific Officer at the Regional Fruit Research Station, reported that mangoes are cultivated on 26,150 hectares in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, with an expected yield of 2,44,000 tonnes. In Naogaon, 12,671 hectares aim for 1,61,242 tonnes, and 4,823 hectares in Natore are expected to yield 56,021 tonnes.