EPB Vice-Chairman visits Chapainawabganj to assess and advance mango production

To gain first-hand insights into the current state of mango production and export readiness, Vice-Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Mr  Anwar Hossain, visited Chapainawabganj today.

During the visit, he inspected mango orchards selected for export, engaged with local producers to understand their challenges, and discussed possible interventions to overcome those barriers.
At a stakeholder meeting organised by the Chapainawabganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Hossain exchanged views with mango growers, exporters, and other relevant stakeholders. The discussions focused on strengthening the supply chain and enhancing the competitiveness of Bangladeshi mangoes in the global market.

Bangladesh is ideally suited for fruit cultivation thanks to its subtropical climate and favourable geographical conditions. Despite producing over 70 varieties of fruit, only a fraction is commercially farmed at scale. Among them, the mango remains the most popular and sought-after fruit both domestically and internationally.

In 2025, the global fresh fruit market is valued at approximately USD 778.37 billion, with mangoes alone accounting for an estimated USD 71.98 billion, up from USD 67.4 billion in 2024. The mango market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%, reaching nearly USD 97.82 billion by 2029. Bangladesh currently exports premium varieties such as Langra, Fazli, Himsagar, Khirshapat, BARI-2, BARI-3, BARI-7 and Ashwina, with some success also seen in the cultivation of international varieties including Katimon, Totapuri, Nam Dok Mai, Miyazaki, Alphonso, Keitt, and Palmer.

In the 2023–24 fiscal year, mangoes were cultivated across 250,000 hectares, yielding 2.589 million metric tonnes—an increase from 2.77 million metric tonnes in 2022–23. Bangladesh ranks 7th globally in mango production and has doubled its output in the last decade. The country also ranks second in jackfruit production and eighth in guava production, respectively, and tenth in seasonal fruit production.

Mango-based value-added products, including dried mango slices, chutneys, jams, juices, and fruit bars, are being increasingly developed for export. These products are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, K, potassium, beta-carotene, folate, choline, and magnesium.
Several Bangladeshi mango varieties, including Khirshapat, Fazli, Langra, Ashwini, and Haribhanga, have already been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status. In FY 2024–25 (July–April), Bangladesh exported mangoes to the UK, Hong Kong, Canada, Bahrain, Switzerland, Italy, and Sweden, with the UK emerging as the top destination.

With growing interest from China, the process of mango export to that country has also commenced. A list of eligible local growers and exporters has been submitted to the Chinese Embassy, pending approval from their customs authorities.
To boost exports, stakeholders stressed the need for improvements in shelf-life extension, hot water treatment facilities, chemical safety, advanced packaging, better fruit fly control, compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and adherence to sanitary and phytosanitary standards. The EPB reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), and other relevant agencies to address these needs.

The Chamber of Commerce urged the government to establish an agro-based Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Chapainawabganj, formulate a national mango policy, introduce solar panels in orchards, improve farmers' and exporters' access to credit, enhance quarantine facilities at the grassroots level, and initiate direct air shipments of mangoes from Rajshahi. They also proposed organising a national mango fair in Dhaka under EPB sponsorship.

Additionally, the EPB Vice-Chairman visited local silk and handicraft industries in Chapainawabganj to assess their operational conditions and discuss support mechanisms.