Survey finds formalin barely used in Bangladesh mango production
The study, conducted on 150 stakeholders nationwide and 12 mango farmers, shows mango farmers are now using Ethephon in a judicious quantity for ripening which is not harmful to human health.
The findings were shared at a workshop organised by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and USAID’s Agriculture Value Chains Project (AVC) at DCCI auditorium on Sunday. DCCI President Abul Kasem Khan was present as the chief guest.
Director of Consiglieri Private Limited, Shibaji Roy, made a power-point presentation on the study for mango stakeholders conducted on behalf of USAID Bangladesh Agriculture Value Chains (AVC).
He said some 10-30 per cent of mango-traders use a ripening agent in Bangladesh.
In 2016, only 510 mounds of mangoes were destroyed by law enforcement agencies, he added.
To produce export quality mangoes, Roy said, they should create awareness among farmers and encourage them to use modern technology and knowledge.
He suggested providing easy bank loan for farmers so that they can establish mango-processing plants. “The mango harvesting time-frame needs to be outlined, while preservation plants are badly needed in some selected areas.”
Abul Kasem Khan said Bangladesh is the 7th largest mango-producing country in the world with around 1 million tons of production. It exported about 800 tons of mangoes, mainly to European markets, in 2015, but the amount fell to 300 tons in 2016, he said. He said they are expecting 1 million tons of mango production this year.
source: thefinancialexpress-bd.com
