Naogaon, historically known for rice cultivation, has become a leading mango-producing district in Bangladesh, with cultivation expanding from under 6,000 hectares in 2015 to more than 30,300 hectares today. In 2024, farmers harvested around 400,000 tons of mangoes, valued at Tk 30 billion (US$270 million).
One farmer, Sohel Rana, left journalism in Dhaka in 2013 to begin mango farming in his village. Starting with 12 bighas, he and his brother now cultivate nearly 200 bighas (about 134 hectares), producing more than 450 tons this year, valued at over Tk 10 million (US$90,000). Rana has also received GAP certification for toxin-free mango production and is preparing to export to Europe.
Farmers shifted from paddy to mango production due to declining water levels, with earnings from paddy at Tk 7,000–8,000 (US$63–72) per bigha, compared to Tk 50,000–100,000 (US$450–900) from mangoes. The expansion of orchards has changed land use and incomes, with land values in areas such as Sapahar increasing several times over the last decade.
However, rising costs now threaten profitability. Profits from a bigha of Amrapali mangoes, once Tk 100,000–150,000 (US$900–1,350), have been reduced as pesticide costs per bigha increased from Tk 5,000–10,000 (US$45–90) to Tk 25,000–30,000 (US$225–270). Leasing costs per bigha for 12 years have risen from Tk 10,000 (US$90) to Tk 28,000 (US$252).
Farmers also report pressure from pests. For the last three years, orchards have been affected by thrips, which blacken mangoes and lower sale prices. They state that the pesticides available have not been effective against the insect.
Financial burdens are compounded by market practices. At Sapahar Bazar, farmers must pay Tk 80 (US$0.72) per maund as a depot fee and an additional Tk 6 (US$0.05) per maund as a toll to the district administration. Traders continue the practice of dholan, requiring 10–12 kg of free mangoes per maund sold, despite directives to abolish it.
Although mangoes are now harvested from March to September, with some year-round production from varieties such as Katimon, exports remain limited. By August, only 2,167 tons had been shipped abroad. High air freight costs of Tk 600 (US$5.40) per kg to Europe, compared to Tk 150–200 (US$1.35–1.80) for India and Pakistan, restrict competitiveness. Bangladesh relies on passenger flights rather than cargo services. Experts argue that seasonal cargo flights could increase exports to at least 20 percent of national output.
Agricultural experts estimate that up to 30 percent of Bangladesh's mangoes are lost annually post-harvest. They point to countries such as Vietnam that process mangoes into value-added products like jams, jellies, powders, and pulp. Suggested measures include cooling vans, cold storage in northern districts, and investment in cargo facilities at Saidpur or Rajshahi airports to strengthen export capacity.
Source: The Daily Star
