The online mango business has emerged as a blessing for many in Rajshahi, particularly among youth and students, who are utilizing modern information and communication technologies to earn a sustainable income during the ongoing mango season.
Leveraging digital platforms such as Facebook, IMO, Viber, WhatsApp, and Messenger, young entrepreneurs are bridging the gap between mango growers and consumers across Bangladesh. With the help of courier services, these initiatives are enabling the direct delivery of fresh, formalin-free mangoes from orchards to customers' doorsteps.
This tech-driven trade not only ensures fair prices for farmers but also assures consumers of timely access to high-quality mangoes. Known as the "Mango Capital" of Bangladesh, Rajshahi sees a surge in mango harvesting and trading activity each summer. This year's bumper harvest, coinciding with the Eid holidays, has created expanded opportunities for commerce.
"This online mango trade has created self-employment for hundreds of young people while ensuring just returns for mango growers," said Masudur Rahaman, president of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "Technology has opened new doors for business and prosperity in rural areas."
Entrepreneurs are receiving orders online, harvesting mangoes on demand, packaging them carefully on-site, and dispatching them via couriers across the country.
Ismail Hossain Islam, a wholesaler from Baneshwar Bazar, said, "Our shipments are proceeding as usual. There is stable demand, especially from Dhaka. People are ordering Rajshahi mangoes for family gatherings and as gifts during Eid."
Despite a low footfall in traditional markets, the intensity of mango trade has visibly shifted online. Young entrepreneurs like Khalid Hassan Milu and his three associates are successfully managing a booming business through their Facebook page 'Rajshahi Mango Products.'
"We're receiving continuous orders from Dhaka and other cities through Facebook," said Milu, a resident of Haragram in Rajshahi. "So far, we have delivered 1,500 kilograms of mangoes and received orders for 7,500 kilograms more."
Former Rajshahi University student Rashedul Islam has already sold seven tonnes of mangoes this season through his online platform 'Mango Shop.' He aims to market 150 tonnes in total this year, employing 20 field workers and 35 staff for collection and packaging.
Siam Rezwan, a former television news presenter, has been selling mangoes online for the past few seasons. This year alone, he has already sold over 50 maunds. "The response from my Facebook friends and followers has been overwhelming," he said.
"We've improved our packaging after initial delivery complaints, and now ensure the quality remains intact," he added.
Rezwan emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in courier services to maintain the quality of the delivered fruit.
Another young entrepreneur, Ehatashamul Haque Ibnur, a Geography and Environmental Science student at the University of Rajshahi, is also involved in the trade. "We work directly with orchard owners to pick and ship mangoes within 24 hours," he said. "Demand peaks before Eid, as many people send mangoes as gifts or enjoy them with family."
Dr Azizur Rahman, additional director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), stated that over 2.62 lakh mango growers and orchard owners operate in the region, supported by 1.35 lakh workers involved in harvesting, sorting, packaging, and transporting.
"This season, we've set a target of harvesting 10 lakh tonnes of mangoes from 80,500 hectares of land," he said, noting that last year's output was 8.31 lakh tonnes from 72,909 hectares.
Dr Rahman highlighted that the mango season provides seasonal income opportunities for many students and youth. Currently, a large number of individuals are actively engaged in mango plucking, transportation, segregation, and packaging with great enthusiasm.
With the growing popularity of online commerce, Rajshahi's mango trade continues to thrive-benefiting farmers, empowering youth, and satisfying consumers nationwide.
Courtesy: BSS
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
