The country is set for a record mango harvest this season, with production likely to exceed 27 lakh metric tonnes, driven by favourable weather conditions, reports BSS.
Officials and growers said that if current weather patterns continue without major disruption, output could surpass the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)'s target of 26.66 lakh metric tonnes for 2025.
According to the DAE, the country exported a record 2,194 metric tonnes of mangoes to 38 countries in the previous year. This year, authorities have set higher export expectations, with traders projecting shipments of up to 3,000 metric tonnes as new markets, including Malaysia and Japan, open up.
Mohammad Arifur Rahman, Director of the DAE's Exportable Mango Production Project, said mango cultivation has been carried out on around 204,000 hectares this season.
He said production prospects remain strong, with no significant adverse conditions reported so far.
"If weather conditions remain stable and there are no severe natural disasters such as nor'westers, production may reach around 27 lakh metric tonnes, and exports could also set a new record," he said.
He added that harvesting is expected to begin in May and continue until mid-October, with major producing districts including Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi, Satkhira and Dinajpur.
Arifur Rahman also noted that Bangladesh exported mangoes to China for the first time last year, marking a new milestone in market expansion.
Farmers across key producing regions have also expressed optimism over this year's crop.
Farukh Pradhan, a mango grower from Chhatra village in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur, said the orchards have seen abundant flowering due to favourable weather, timely seasonal changes, normal rainfall and the absence of major natural disasters.
"I have never seen such heavy flowering before. If there are no major storms, the yield will be very good," he said.
Another orchard owner from Shibganj upazila in Chapainawabganj, Shafiul Alam Imran, said improved orchard management, use of quality saplings, balanced fertiliser application and support from agricultural extension services have contributed to the positive outlook.
DAE data shows mango production in Bangladesh has been increasing steadily in recent years, while export volumes have also fluctuated.
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, production stood at 26.70 lakh tonnes, with exports reaching 2,194 tonnes.
Bangladeshi mangoes are exported mainly to the Middle East and Europe, including the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Germany and Sweden.
Popular varieties such as Khirsapat, Gopalbhog, Fazli, Himsagar and Amrapali are shipped to at least 38 countries.
Arifur Rahman said the Ministry of Agriculture is continuing efforts to address export challenges while strengthening training and technical support for farmers to further boost both production and exports.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
