The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh has approved the construction of 10 Hot Water Treatment (HWT) plants in Chapainawabganj, a key mango production area known for Himsagar and Langra varieties. The decision was taken at the 148th EPB Board of Directors meeting, chaired by Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin.
The aim is to expand the country's mango exports by meeting international phytosanitary standards and reducing post-harvest losses. Hot water treatment is required for access to markets such as the USA, UK, EU, and the Middle East. The process eliminates fruit flies and pests without the use of chemicals and is a mandatory requirement in these markets.
At present, Bangladesh relies on a central packing house in Shyampur, which is located far from the main mango orchards. Transporting fresh mangoes over long distances adds costs, delays treatment, and reduces shelf life, limiting competitiveness with exporters from India and Thailand. An EPB official explained, "Time is the enemy of freshness. By bringing HWT plants directly to Chapainawabganj, we're cutting logistics costs, improving fruit quality, and making our mangoes price-competitive abroad."
The new decentralised plants will be built near mango clusters, allowing fruits to be treated within hours of harvest. Expected benefits include longer shelf life, improved export quality, faster turnaround, and reduced costs for growers.
The decision follows requests from industry stakeholders. In May, an EPB delegation led by Vice-Chairman Md Anwar Hossain visited Chapainawabganj, where growers and the Chapainawabganj Chamber of Commerce & Mango Exporters Association called for local HWT facilities. Their position was stated as: "We grow world-class mangoes. Now give us the tools to sell them like world-class exporters."
Construction is expected to begin soon with the approved budget. Once operational, the 10 HWT plants could increase mango exports by up to 40%, expanding access to new markets and supporting higher prices for producers.
A trade expert noted, "This isn't just about treating mangoes. It's about treating Bangladesh's agro-export potential with the seriousness it deserves."
Source: Jago News
