Bangladesh to make record in production, export of mango

Business Report :

Bangladesh is set to experience a bumper harvest and increased export of its popular summer fruit, mango, this season. Around 2,05,034 hectares of land have been dedicated to mango cultivation, targeting a record production of 27 lakh metric tons.

Officials anticipate that approximately 5,000 metric tons of mango will be exported this season.
Sources said, Bangladesh exports mango annually to around 38 countries, including the UK, Italy, France, and Canada. Notably, this year marks the first time mangoes will be exported to China, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations.

Speaking to the media, Arifur Rahman, Project Director of the Exportable Mango Production Project, expressed optimism for a record harvest this year, provided weather and environmental conditions remain favorable. He also reiterated the goal of exporting around 5,000 metric tons of mango this season.

Regarding exports to China, he noted that Bangladesh received registration from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) in July of last year. While several procedural matters are still under review, he expressed hope that exports to China will commence in June, unlocking new potential for the country’s mango market.

Data from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reveals that Bangladesh produced 23,50,499 metric tons of mango from 2,02,968 hectares in FY21. Production rose to 27,07,459 metric tons in FY23. However, in FY24, output slightly dipped to 25,08,973 metric tons across 2,05,034 hectares.

Export statistics show a growing trend until recently. In FY17, mango exports were 309 metric tons, which rose to 1,757 metric tons by FY22. This trend continued with 3,100 metric tons exported in FY23, though it declined to 1,321 metric tons in FY24.

Mango is widely cultivated throughout Bangladesh and is known as the “king of fruits” in the country. Each variety has its unique appeal. While superior grafted varieties are popular, local or seedling-grown mangoes are also widely enjoyed.

According to the DAE, top varieties include Fazlee, Langra, Gopalbhogh, Himsagar, Khirsapat, Amrapali, Mollika, Subornarekha, Misridana, Nilambori, Kalibhogh, Kanchamitha, Alfanso, Baromasi, Totapuri, Karabau, Keo Sao, Gopal Khas, Kent, Surjopuree, Pahutan, Trifola, Haribhanga, Chatapora, Guthli, Lokhna, Adaira, Kolaboti, and Rupali. Additionally, improved BARI-developed mango varieties are also available.

Speaking to the media, Additional Deputy Director of the project, Sazzad Hossain Mozumder, said that mango cultivation is concentrated in 15 key districts, including Rajshahi, Naogaon, Satkhira, and Chapainawabganj.