Rajshahi: A three-day mango fair commenced on Tuesday with the objective of promoting safe mango production, enhancing exports, and globally branding Rajshahi’s mangoes.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) is organizing the event at the premises of its Additional Director’s office as part of the ‘Exportable Mango Production Project’. The fair was inaugurated with the release of balloons and festoons, marking the beginning of this initiative.
DAE Additional Director Dr Azizur Rahman presided over the opening ceremony, which included speeches from prominent figures like Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Habibur Rahman, Superintendent of Police Farzana Yeasmin, Principal Scientific Officer of the Regional Fruit Research Station Dr Shafiqul Islam, and Regional Seed Certification Officer Dr Motaleb Hossain. DAE Deputy Director Umme Salma provided the welcome address.
The fair showcases 21 stalls with around 150 varieties of mangoes, including Langra, Himsagar, Amrapali, Fazli, and Haribhanga. It will remain open daily from 9 am to 10 pm until June 26.
Additional Commissioner Habibur Rahman emphasized the project’s focus on increasing export-quality mango production through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), farmer training, and improved infrastructure. He highlighted the challenge of limited GAP implementation among farmers, which the project aims to address.
Dr Azizur Rahman remarked on the positive impact of mango-centric economic activities on the rural economy. He mentioned a production target of 12.55 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes this season, with an estimated trade value of Tk 7,000 crore in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, and Natore.
Mango-related activities are expected to generate seasonal employment for nearly three lakh people, contributing to a total economic value of approximately Tk 10,000 crore. The region has seen steady growth in mango production and acreage, aided by high-yielding varieties, suitable soil, and favorable weather.
Chapainawabganj is projected to lead mango production with 4.58 lakh tonnes, followed by Naogaon with 3.78 lakh tonnes, Rajshahi with 2.86 lakh tonnes, and Natore with 1.34 lakh tonnes. Dr Rahman expressed optimism about achieving a record national mango yield of 28 lakh metric tonnes this season, attributing it to the absence of natural calamities.
He noted that around 1.30 lakh people are involved in various mango-related activities, including harvesting, sorting, packaging, transportation, and marketing across the region.