Mangoes ripe, but markets dry: Long Eid holidays raise concerns for farmers in Chapainawabganj

The long Eid-ul-Adha holidays have triggered concern among mango growers in Chapainawabganj, as the perishable fruit risks going unsold due to disrupted transport and declining demand.

The peak mango harvesting season began in late May and early June, especially for the popular 'Khirsapat' variety, which is currently in high season. However, with the Eid holidays starting from 5 June and continuing until 14 June, both buyers and transportation services have become scarce.

Courier services, which are vital for mango shipments, are temporarily halted during the holiday break. As a result, mango farmers are facing a double blow: a shortage of buyers and a lack of logistics to send the fruit to market. This has led to a noticeable slump in the local mango trade, particularly in Chapainawabganj, a major mango-producing region.

"Harvesting is underway, but there's little demand. Prices are falling, and we don't have adequate storage for these fast-ripening fruits. This could lead to major losses," said local mango grower Munjer Alam Manik.

Farmers say that the largest market for their produce is the capital, Dhaka, which receives hundreds of truckloads of mangoes daily. But with most residents traveling back to their hometowns for the holiday, demand has sharply dropped. Until offices reopen and people return to the city, the market is expected to remain sluggish.

Manik said he sells about one tonne of mangoes online each day but he hasn't had any online sales in the past two days.

Currently, Khirsapat mangoes are selling for Tk1,600 to Tk3,000 per maund, depending on quality — down from previous prices of Tk2,200 to Tk3,500 or more. Farmers fear prices could drop even further if demand doesn't pick up soon.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, mangoes have been cultivated on 37,504 hectares in the district this season. Despite flowering on nearly all trees, high temperatures and drought conditions have resulted in fewer mango buds forming.

Manik, who cultivates mangoes on 30 bighas of his own land and 40 more through contract farming, said, "Although adverse weather slightly damaged flowering and budding, overall production is better than last year. Still, we expect a 20-25% drop in yield compared to normal seasons.

"Amidst this low production, mango farmers have fallen into the trap of the long Eid holidays."