Business Desk :
Mangoes of the Banana variety, cultivated in Birol upazila of Dinajpur, have officially entered the European market.
An initial consignment of 100 kilograms (kgs) was dispatched to Switzerland from the orchard of Md. Mominul Islam. In the coming weeks, a total of three metric tons of banana, Katimon, and BARI-4 mangoes are scheduled to be shipped in phases to Sweden and Qatar.
Mango orchard owner Mominul Islam said that Banana, BARI-4, Katimon, and BN-7 mango varieties have been cultivated across four acres of land in Sadardanga village of Birol upazila. On June 21, the first shipment of selected banana mangoes was sent to Switzerland in a single cartload, reports BSS.
He explained that mango growers from the Rajshahi region have started leasing land in different parts of Birol upazila for 10 to 15 years to cultivate mangoes. Inspired by them and advised by the local agricultural extension office, he began his mango orchard.
Mominul said that in 2019, he initiated this project to cultivate improved and delicious mango varieties on four acres. The mangoes are grown entirely with organic fertilizers and pesticides under the guidance of the Upazila Agriculture Department.
The trees bore few mangoes last year but this year’s yield has been abundant, he said, adding that each tree of the Banana variety has produced between 100 and 250 mangoes.
Due to their vibrant color and attractive shape, these mangoes are in high demand, he said.
Although cultivation began on a small scale, interest grew following early successes, said Mominul, adding that he has now taken lease of land in several unions within the upazila, expanding mango cultivation to a total of 18 acres, comprising about 7,560 mango trees of various types.
