Local mangoes hit markets while seasonal exports begin

Sweet summer mangoes have reached markets in different parts of the country, while exports to multiple countries have also begun, raising hopes for higher foreign earnings and stronger demand in international markets.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid today inaugurated this year’s mango export at a ceremony held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council in the capital.

Official inauguration of mango exports was held today, although shipments had already started two days earlier, said Mohammad Arifur Rahman, director of the Department of Agricultural Extension’s exportable mango production project.

He said that 52.5 tonnes of mangoes had so far been exported to 14 countries, including Germany, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ireland, the UK and Italy.

He said new export destinations would become clearer later in the season, as exporters usually explore new markets around the last week of June.

Regarding consumers, he said Bangladeshi mangoes are being sold to both expatriate Bangladeshis and local consumers in foreign markets.

However, he said that the exports have not yet entered major supermarket chains because those retailers require several conditions to be met, including a regular daily supply.

He added that flight limitations from Bangladesh remain a challenge in ensuring consistent shipments to every destination.

He also said that Bangladesh exported 2,194 tonnes of mangoes to 27 countries in the last export season.

The agriculture minister said the agricultural sector is one of the pillars of the national economy, with enormous potential to generate foreign exchange earnings through agricultural exports.

He said that although Bangladesh is among the world’s most favourable countries for agricultural production, the sector has yet to achieve its full potential due to various policy and legal challenges.

He further highlighted that the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and strict quality assurance are essential for achieving success in international markets.

According to him, China has shown strong interest in importing Bangladeshi jackfruit on a large scale. However, to meet international standards, Bangladesh must establish a modern packaging and quality control system.

He also underscored the importance of preserving the authentic taste and quality of Bangladesh’s indigenous fruits while encouraging scientists to enhance fruit colour, shelf life and storage capacity in line with market demands.

Addressing export challenges, he identified high air cargo costs as a major obstacle. He added that Biman Bangladesh Airlines is taking steps to expand its fleet and introduce dedicated cargo flights to help resolve the issue.

The minister said that in today’s global market, ensuring food safety is just as important as maintaining taste and quality.

He said Bangladesh can establish a strong international position by guaranteeing proper quality control and safe agricultural production.

He expressed optimism that mangoes and other agricultural products would eventually become major sources of foreign currency earnings for Bangladesh.

To realise this vision, he called upon producers, exporters and all relevant stakeholders to work together in a coordinated manner.