BADC introduces vapour heat treatment to boost mango exports
The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) is implementing vapour heat treatment (VHT) technology to ensure safe, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables and to facilitate agricultural exports.
Mango, known as the “king of fruits”, remains deeply embedded in Bangladesh’s cultural and rural life, featuring widely in literature and seasonal traditions. During the Baishakh-Jaishtha season, demand for mangoes rises significantly as consumers eagerly enjoy the fruit in various forms.
At present, Bangladesh produces around 800 varieties of mango, with more than 270 varieties being commercially important. Annual production stands at approximately 25-27 lakh metric tonnes, according to BBS.
Bangladeshi mangoes are exported to multiple countries, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Italy, Germany, France, Sweden, India and the United Kingdom.
However, export expansion has long been constrained by phytosanitary concerns, particularly fruit fly infestation and other pests, which affect quality and international market access.
To address this challenge, BADC is implementing a project titled “Establishment of Vapour Heat Treatment Plant to Increase Export of Mango and Other Fresh Agricultural Products”.
Under the initiative, a VHT processing centre has been set up in Gabtoli, Dhaka, along with an automated conveyor packaging line to ensure standardised processing.
Officials said the facility has a treatment capacity of around three metric tonnes of mango per day.
After treatment, fruits undergo approximately 30 minutes of cooling and washing, eliminating pests, mould and bacteria. The process is also said to enhance fruit appearance and extend shelf life to around 8-10 days.
The system is currently being used for mangoes as well as other fruits and vegetables, including starfruit, malta, lemon, jujube, litchi, pineapple, guava, dragon fruit, potato, capsicum, tomato, pumpkin and cucumber.
Project officials said the initiative is already benefiting exporters and stakeholders by improving product quality and compliance with international standards.
They added that expansion of VHT-based processing is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s agricultural export sector and enhance global competitiveness.
