Mango business vibrates local economy in Rajshahi region post-Eid

Mango trading has gained significant momentum in different markets of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon districts following the conclusion of a 10-day Eid-ul-Adha vacation, with the arrival of delicious seasonal varieties boosting the local economy.

With popular mango varieties like Langra, Khirsapat, Himsagar, and Amrapali flooding the markets, trading activity has resumed in full swing, bringing vibrancy to both wholesale and retail markets.

According to sources, the mango trade had slowed considerably before Eid due to an emphasis on cattle markets, closure of courier services, and the extended public holidays from 4 to 8 June. The situation was further exacerbated by incessant rainfall, causing economic hardship to traders, growers, and others involved in the seasonal business.

Prices dropped by Tk400 to Tk1,000 per mound in various areas prior to the Eid break.

However, the market has started stabilising with the resumption of full-scale business operations. Online sales through courier services are also witnessing a gradual increase, playing a crucial role in delivering mangoes to urban consumers.

Major mango markets such as Baneswar, Shaheb Bazar, Haragram, Upashahar, Shalbagan, Rajabari, Godagari, Kansat, and Rohanpur have taken on a festive appearance, contributing to the revitalisation of the rural economy.

Currently, the sweetest mango varieties like Langra, Khirsapat, and Himsagar are nearing the end of their harvesting period. Meanwhile, harvesting of Fazli and Amrapali has commenced, and Ashwina and BARI Mango-4 are expected to arrive within the next two weeks, as per the local administration's guidelines.

Abu Sayeed, a trader at Baneswar Bazar in Puthiya upazila, said that all varieties are being sold at high prices based on size and quality in the wholesale markets.

Many small vendors have taken to selling mangoes on roadsides and localities using rickshaw-vans and other small carriers. Most kitchen and vegetable markets are now flooded with newly harvested mangoes, creating morning traffic congestion in many areas.

Montu Sarker, leaseholder of Baneswar Bazar, said that farmers and traders are harvesting mangoes following the directives issued by the district administration, which has resulted in the natural ripening of varieties like Gopalbhog, Himsagar, Langra, Lakhna, and other indigenous types.

Abu Forman Ali, a wholesale trader, stated that Langra and Himsagar are currently being sold at Tk2,600 to Tk2,800 per mound based on quality, while native varieties are fetching between Tk1,500 to Tk2,000 per mound.

In Sapahar upazila of Naogaon, Himsagar mangoes are selling at Tk1,400-1,600 per mound, Nak Fazli at Tk1,300-1,800, Langra at Tk1,200-1,500, Banana Mango at Tk3,500-4,200, Haribhanga at Tk1,500-2,500, and Amrapali at Tk1,800-3,500 per mound.

"The mango-based trade has brought about significant economic activity in the rural areas," said Jamal Uddin, a trader at Shaheb Bazar. "We are selling around 30 mounds daily at prices ranging from Tk2,500 to Tk3,000 per mound."

Large consignments of mangoes are being transported daily to Dhaka and other parts of the country from Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj via buses, trains, trucks, and private vehicles.

This seasonal boom has not only provided fair prices for growers but also created employment opportunities for thousands, while consumers enjoy fresh, formalin-free mangoes.

Talking to BSS, Dr Azizur Rahman, additional director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), said that diversified mango-centric economic activities have significantly bolstered the rural economy in the region.

"There is a production target of 12.55 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes this season, with an estimated trade value of around Tk7,000 crore in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, and Natore," he said.

He added that mango-related activities such as harvesting, transportation, storage, marketing, and packaging are expected to create seasonal employment for nearly three lakh people, contributing to a total mango-centric economic value of approximately Tk10,000 crore.

Mango production and acreage have seen consistent growth over the past four years, aided by high-yielding varieties, suitable soil, and favourable weather conditions. Official figures show the region accounts for nearly half of the country's total mango output.

Among the districts, Chapainawabganj is expected to produce the highest at 4.58 lakh tonnes, followed by Naogaon with 3.78 lakh tonnes, Rajshahi with 2.86 lakh tonnes, and Natore with 1.34 lakh tonnes.

Dr Rahman expressed optimism about achieving a record yield of 28 lakh metric tonnes this season due to the absence of natural calamities.

Around 1.30 lakh people are currently engaged in mango harvesting, sorting, packaging, transportation, and marketing across the region, he added.