Cheaper mangoes for consumers, tough post-Eid season for Rajshahi farmers
Mango farmers and traders in Rajshahi are facing disappointing returns this season, with prices falling below expectations amid weak demand caused by a drop in buyer turnout after Eid-ul-Azha.
A recent visit to Baneshwar Mango Market in Puthia upazila revealed sluggish trading activity. The market -- one of the region’s major mango hubs -- hosts nearly 50 commission agents engaged in wholesale mango trading.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Rajshahi is widely known as the mango capital of Bangladesh. At present, local varieties, including Guti, Gopalbhog, Lakkhanbhog, Himsagar (Khirsapat), and, in some areas, Langra are available in the markets.
Rafikul Islam, a mango farmer from Baneshwar area, who has been involved in the trade for the past 10 years, said while Gopalbhog and Khirsapat mangoes are enjoying some demand in the market, the Guti variety is attracting almost no buyers.
“Gopalbhog is selling for Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,800 per maund (40 kg), while Khirsapat is being sold for Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,200 per maund. Last season, prices for these varieties were nearly Tk 1,000 higher per maund,” he said.
Another farmer, Abdur Rahman of Charghat upazila, attributed the weak market to the Eid holidays.
“Due to the Eid vacation, the number of buyers and outside traders in the market is much lower. Lakkhanbhog mangoes are selling for only Tk 700 per maund,” he said.
“Recovering the costs incurred throughout the year has become difficult. Each tree required Tk 1,500 to Tk 2,000 for pesticides and irrigation. I spent Tk 5 lakh to lease a 150-tree orchard for three years. The income from the past two seasons was reinvested into the orchard. I had hoped to make some profit this year, but with prices this low, that seems unlikely,” he added.
Bacchu Mia, a commission agent at Baneshwar Market, said trading volume has dropped significantly compared to last year.
“Sales this season have fallen to nearly half of what they were last year. Demand is low, and wholesalers are placing fewer orders, which is putting downward pressure on prices,” he said.
However, consumers appear to be benefiting from the lower prices.
Amjad Hossain, a buyer at the market, said mango prices were unusually high last year due to lower production.
“This year, prices are within reach for ordinary consumers. People can buy mangoes for their families and even send them as gifts to relatives,” he said.
Papiya Rahman Mouri, additional deputy director (Horticulture) of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Rajshahi, said strict monitoring by the administration and the agriculture department has ensured that only safe and chemical-free mangoes are reaching the market.
Regarding exports, she said overseas shipments have remained suspended since last year. “We have already held meetings with exporters, and hope mango exports to different countries will resume this year.”
According to DAE Rajshahi office, harvesting of Himsagar or Khirsapat mangoes officially began on May 30.
The DAE has scheduled harvesting of Langra and Banana varieties from June 10, followed by Amrapali and Fazli from June 15. In the later phase of the season, Bari-4 mango can be harvested from July 5, Ashwina from July 10, and Gourmati from July 15. Meanwhile, Katimon and Bari-11 mango varieties may be harvested throughout the year.
This year, Rajshahi district is expected to produce 243,993 metric tonnes of mangoes, with an estimated market value of Tk 780.78 crore.
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