Data from the Plant Quarantine Centre at Chattogram Seaport indicates that maritime vegetable exports from Bangladesh totaled 58,766 tons in FY25, reflecting a 313% year-on-year growth. Potatoes were predominant, with 40,543 tons, followed by 16,959 tons of fresh vegetables and 1,264 tons of frozen items.
In contrast, FY24 saw 14,202 tons exported, comprising 11,127 tons of potatoes, 1,669 tons of fresh produce, and 1,406 tons of frozen vegetables. Previously, FY23 exports reached 33,923 tons, led by potatoes at 29,560 tons. FY22 recorded 60,634 tons, with potatoes at 53,024 tons.
The export increase follows disruptions from natural disasters, high domestic prices, and rising freight costs. Exporters faced challenges from domestic instability and costs. Improved price stability under the interim government and intensified market monitoring have contributed to the current export boost. According to Mohammad Shah Alam, deputy director at the Plant Quarantine Centre, "The volume of potato exports has increased significantly this year." Even Banglabandha land port saw the export of 20,000 tons of potatoes to Nepal, traditionally India's domain. The ministry's efforts in managing transportation costs and successful test shipments of taro and cabbage supported this growth.
Key destinations for vegetable exports include Malaysia, the UAE, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern countries, driven by expatriate Bangladeshis and South Asian restaurants. Exported vegetables range from potatoes and cabbage to sweet pumpkin, green chili, cauliflower, tomato, taro, beans, and more. Fresh vegetables, often frozen, are shipped to Europe and Africa using regular containers, sourced from areas such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Jessore, Rajshahi, Chuadanga, Rangpur, Thakurgaon, Meherpur, and Narsingdi.
Mahbub Rana, president of the Chattogram Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Products Exporters' Group, has noted that previous local market instability rendered exports unviable. He observed, "The high price of potatoes and volatile vegetable prices deterred exporters. With those issues resolved, exports have picked up again." Challenges include limited air cargo space, costly transport fees to Europe or North America, and diminishing subsidies expected to phase out by 2026. He added, "If the government prioritises this sector, vegetable exports could grow several times over."
Source: The Business Standard
