RAJSHAHI, June 29: Despite Rajshahi region being the country's largest hub for export-quality mangoes, growers and traders are struggling to meet export targets due to persistent logistical and infrastructural challenges.
With only a fraction of mangoes making it to foreign markets, local super shops have become the last hope for many farmers left with unsold produce.
Over the last three years, only 22.11 per cent of mangoes produced in Rajshahi for export have actually been shipped abroad.
According to Rajshahi Regional Department of Agricultural Extension, the region produced 4,648 metric tons of exportable mangoes in the past three years. Of this, only 1,027.88 metric tons were exported. In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, 550 metric tons were produced and 222.88 tons exported; roughly 40.52 per cent. The following year saw production increase to 2,528 metric tons, but only 606 tons were exported (23.97 per cent). In 2023-2024, exportable mango production dropped to 1,570 metric tons, of which just 199 tons or 12.68 per cent, were exported.
This year, the region has produced 6,720 metric tons of export-quality mangoes; 200 metric tons in Rajshahi, 6,000 in Chapainawabganj, 505 in Naogaon and 15 in Natore.
However, exports remain abysmally low; only 17 metric tons have been exported from Chapainawabganj and 4.8 from Naogaon, totaling just 21.8 metric tons.
Officials say the government has initiated a Tk 62 crore project aimed at improving mango production quality for export. The project includes training farmers in modern techniques, pest control and cultivating better mango varieties. It also supports post-harvest processing and marketing. Despite the investment, success remains limited on the ground.
Hafizur Rahman Khan, owner of Bipan Agro Products Limited, said that several steps are required for mangoes to qualify for export. However, problems with packaging, grading, cold storage and limited cargo air services are hampering progress.
He noted that while previously there was demand but few farmers, now the reverse is true; farmers are ready, but lack skilled support and adequate government assistance.
He added that despite repeatedly raising these issues with authorities, little action has been taken.
Khan also highlighted the absence of clear contracts for mango exports. Export agreements often lack guarantees, leaving farmers burdened with surplus stock when exports fall through.
He further pointed out the lack of international market exposure, poor port infrastructure, and high cargo charges as additional deterrents to successful mango exports.
Anwarul Haque, president of Raj Chapai Agro Food Producers, said the mango export situation has collapsed. While, in previous years, they managed to send 3,000-4,000 metric tons abroad, this year's target is just 500 metric tons and exports haven't even begun in earnest.
Haque said they continue to suffer significant losses and have been urging the government for over a decade to establish a packaging house in Rajshahi. Every year, promises are made but not fulfilled.
He stressed that it is unrealistic to expect large-scale mango exports through a single packaging facility located in Shyampur, Dhaka.
Arifur Rahman, director of Exportable Mango Production Project, confirmed that around 70 per cent of Bangladesh's mango exports originate from Rajshahi. This year, the target is to export 5,000 metric tons.
However, he noted that not all mangoes produced can be exported due to several logistical stages. For instance, about 10 per cent of mangoes are spoiled just in the journey from Rajshahi to Dhaka. High cargo rates and limited air freight space are also major issues.
He assured that the government is actively working to resolve these challenges and improve the export pipeline.
