STAR BUSINESS REPORT

Sweet summer mangoes have reached markets in different parts of the country, while exports to multiple countries have also begun, raising hopes for higher foreign earnings and stronger demand in international markets.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid yesterday inaugurated this year’s mango export season at a ceremony held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council in Dhaka.

Mohammad Arifur Rahman, director of the Department of Agricultural Extension’s exportable mango production project, said the official inauguration of mango exports was held yesterday, although shipments had already begun two days earlier.

He said 52.5 tonnes of mangoes have so far been exported to 14 countries, including Germany, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ireland, the UK and Italy.

“New export destinations will become clearer later in the season, as exporters usually explore new markets around the last week of June,” he added.

Regarding consumers, he said Bangladeshi mangoes are being sold to both expatriate Bangladeshis and local consumers in foreign markets.

However, exports have not yet entered major supermarket chains as retailers require several conditions to be met, including a regular daily supply.

He added that flight limitations from Bangladesh remain a challenge in ensuring consistent shipments to all destinations.

He also said Bangladesh exported 2,194 tonnes of mangoes to 27 countries in the last export season.

The agriculture minister said the farm sector is one of the pillars of the national economy, with enormous potential to generate foreign exchange earnings through agricultural exports.

He said that although Bangladesh is among the world’s most favourable countries for agricultural production, the sector has yet to achieve its full potential due to various policy and legal challenges.

He further highlighted that the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and strict quality assurance are essential for success in international markets.

According to him, China has shown strong interest in importing Bangladeshi jackfruit on a large scale. However, to meet international standards, Bangladesh must establish a modern packaging and quality control system.

He also underscored the importance of preserving the authentic taste and quality of Bangladesh’s indigenous fruits while encouraging scientists to enhance fruit colour, shelf life and storage capacity in line with market demands.

Addressing export challenges, he identified high air cargo costs as a major obstacle.

“Biman Bangladesh Airlines is taking steps to expand its fleet and introduce dedicated cargo flights to help resolve the issue,” he added.

The minister said that in today’s global market, ensuring food safety is just as important as maintaining taste and quality.

He said Bangladesh could establish a strong international position by guaranteeing proper quality control and safe agricultural production.

He expressed optimism that mangoes and other agricultural products would eventually become major sources of foreign currency earnings for Bangladesh.

To realise this vision, he called upon producers, exporters and all relevant stakeholders to work together in a coordinated manner.