Rajshahi: Mango marketing has gradually been gaining momentum amid the arrival of different varieties of the fruit, including the branded Gopalbhog and Lakhna, in the region over the last couple of days. Picking of the fruit began on May 15, generating employment for many people in tasks such as sorting, transportation, and marketing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, many farmers are currently harvesting varieties like Gopalbhog, Ranipachhand, and Lakhna, along with local indigenous types. In the coming days and weeks, other varieties such as Himsagar, Langra, and Amropali will enter the markets in phases.
Abdur Razzaque, a mango grower from Darusha, stated that numerous mango varieties are expected to ripen naturally in the coming weeks. Anwar Hossain Polash from Bagha Upazila noted that Gopalbhog is being sold at Taka 30 to 45 per kilogram, while other varieties fetch different prices based on size and quality.
Sohel Rana, a mango trader from Namajgram village, mentioned leasing around 500 trees this year, expressing optimism for better trading conditions. As more mangoes hit the markets, trading is expected to gain momentum across various districts, with Baneswar being a notable hub for mango business.
Umme Salma from the Department of Agricultural Extension reported that nearly 3,363,986 mango trees are spread across 19,578 hectares in Rajshahi, with an expected yield of 13.20 tonnes per hectare. Masudur Rahman from the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted a production target with a market value of around Taka 10,000 crore.
Anwarul Haque from the Rajshahi Agro Food Producer Society noted the export potential of Rajshahi's mangoes, which have reached various European and other countries. The fruit-bagging method is also becoming popular, reducing pesticide use and enhancing production quality.
Dr. Shafiqul Islam of the Regional Fruit Research Station reported that mangoes have been cultivated on 26,150 hectares in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, with an expected yield of 2,44,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, Naogaon has set a production target of 3.86 lakh tonnes on 30,300 hectares, with Natore expected to yield 56,021 tonnes from 4,823 hectares.