The local variety of 'Haribhanga' mango is anticipated to enter the market by mid-June in Rangpur, Bangladesh, and its surrounding areas. Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) indicated that the harvesting of 'Haribhanga' mango will commence in mid-June and continue until July.
Business activities have already started to focus on harvesting this fibreless and fleshy mango to supply local markets and consumers nationwide. Traders from Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj, and Cumilla, along with local online traders, are actively purchasing 'Haribhanga' mangoes grown in Mithapukur upazila and other parts of Rangpur district.
Officials and farmers predict a bumper harvest of 'Haribhanga' mango, which is in demand both locally and internationally. The mangoes are currently growing well due to recent rains. Last season, farmers produced 38,508 tonnes from 2,556 hectares across the region, with 29,772 tonnes from 1,910 hectares in Rangpur alone, as per Deputy Director of Rangpur DAE, Md Sirajul Islam.
Farmers have expanded 'Haribhanga' mango cultivation to more land this year. The commercial cultivation is rapidly growing across all eight upazilas of Rangpur and several villages in Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Gaibandha, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat districts. Although various mango varieties are cultivated in Rangpur, 'Haribhanga' has gained commercial recognition in recent years, altering the economic landscape for many.
"Haribhanga mango has already been recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Rangpur," said Sirajul Islam, highlighting its demand locally and abroad. Farmers and traders expect to generate trade worth between Taka 180 crore and Taka 200 crore in Rangpur alone.
Mango grower Mostafizur Rahman from Podaganj village in Mithapukur upazila mentioned that farmers have diligently cared for the mangoes, using vitamins and pesticides as recommended by DAE. Abdus Salam, a pioneer in 'Haribhanga' cultivation, stated, "I have been cultivating 'Haribhanga' mango on a commercial basis since 1990," with 25 orchards on 15 acres of land.
Deputy Director at Burirhat Horticulture Centre, Dr Md Abu Sayem, noted that commercial cultivation began in Mithapukur roughly three decades ago, expanding to other upazilas due to its popularity. "The characteristics of mangoes are that they are fibreless, fleshy, sweet and delicious, with small mango seeds inside. The skin is thin," he added.
Source: BSS News