Mangoes of the Banana variety, cultivated in Birol Upazila of Dinajpur, Bangladesh, have been exported to Europe. An initial consignment of 100 kg was dispatched to Switzerland from the orchard of Md. Mominul Islam. Future shipments will include three metric tons of Banana, Katimon, and BARI-4 mangoes to Sweden and Qatar.
Mominul Islam cultivates Banana, BARI-4, Katimon, and BN-7 mangoes across four acres in Sadardanga village, Birol upazila. On June 21, he sent the first shipment of Banana mangoes to Switzerland. Growers from Rajshahi have been leasing land in Birol to cultivate mangoes, encouraging local farmers to do the same. Since 2019, Mominul has focused on improved mango varieties using organic farming methods under the guidance of the Upazila Agriculture Department.
This year's yield has been higher, with each Banana variety tree producing between 100 and 250 mangoes. Mangoes are being sold directly from the orchard at approximately US$1.10 to US$1.20 per kg. Buyers from outside the region are purchasing in bulk, expecting better returns. A buyer, Md. Nazmul Hasan praised the mangoes for their quality and taste, increasing his purchase this year to 5 kg at US$1.10 per kg.
Mominul Islam shared with BSS his plans for expansion. With guidance from the Birol Upazila Agriculture Officer, Md. Mostafa Hasan Imam achieved mango exports to England last year. Joint efforts by the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce have now led to exports to Switzerland, Sweden, and Qatar. For the first time, he exported 100 kg of Banana mangoes and is optimistic about future orders from European buyers.
Birol Upazila Agriculture Officer Mustafa Hasan Imam highlighted Birol's growing prominence as an agricultural hub, previously best known for its litchi production. Many farmers are now establishing large-scale mango orchards. Last year's export success has triggered broader interest from European markets. Md. Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, confirmed last year's experimental exports of various mango varieties, including Banana mangoes from Dinajpur. This year, a coordinated initiative is ensuring efficient mango collection and international export.
Source: BSS News