Mango orchards in Chapainawabganj, identified as the mango capital of Bangladesh, are underway with activities as ripening begins. While smaller-sized mango types have hit markets, fully ripe mango varieties are anticipated by month's end. Without an official mango calendar this season, unripe mango marketing will encounter strict repercussions.
According to local farmer Ripon Ahmed from Chakkarti union in Shibganj upazila, mangoes are on track to ripen within a week, with specific varieties like Gopalbhog expected by late May and additional varieties by the second week of June. In an interview, farmer Kamal from Nachol upazila noted that reduced rainfall has escalated irrigation expenses, coupled with increased pesticide usage due to adverse weather, potentially impacting profitability if prices fall.
Local farmers are actively preparing for the harvest season, with considerable effort visible in market activities. Traders from various districts are already engaging with those in Kansat, acknowledged as the largest mango market in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, district agricultural marketing officials and traders project a mango trade value of approximately 2,000 crore Taka this season, equivalent to about $189 million.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reports that mango cultivation covers 37,504 hectares this year, targeting a production yield of 10.3 tons per hectare. Deputy Director Dr. Md. Yasin Ali forecasts an output of around four lakh metric tons for the current season. Average pricing is expected to be Taka 50 per kilogram, translating to an estimated total trade value of around 200 crore Taka, or $18.9 million.
Source: BSS News
