Rajshahi Launches New Initiative to Boost Mango Exports Amid Global Demand

Rajshahi, Bangladesh – In a strategic move to capitalize on the growing global appetite for tropical fruits, the Rajshahi City Corporation, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the quality and export volume of the region’s famed mangoes. Announced on Tuesday, the program seeks to address longstanding challenges in post-harvest handling, pest management, and international market access, positioning Rajshahi as a key player in the global fruit trade.

Rajshahi, often called the “Mango Capital of Bangladesh,” produces over 200 varieties of mangoes, including the highly sought-after Langra, Himsagar, and Fazli. However, despite abundant yields, only a fraction of the crop reaches international markets due to inconsistent quality standards and inadequate cold storage facilities. The new initiative, funded jointly by the government and private sector partners, will establish state-of-the-art processing centers and provide training to thousands of farmers on modern agricultural techniques.

“This is a game-changer for our farmers and the local economy,” said Md. Shahidul Islam, Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation, during a press briefing at the city’s Nagar Bhaban. “By improving supply chain efficiency and meeting international phytosanitary requirements, we aim to double mango exports within three years. Our ultimate goal is to make Rajshahi mangoes a household name worldwide.”

The initiative includes setting up six new pack houses equipped with controlled atmosphere storage, which can extend the shelf life of mangoes by up to four weeks. Additionally, BARI scientists will conduct workshops on integrated pest management and organic farming to reduce pesticide residues, a common barrier to entry in European and North American markets. The project also involves forming farmer cooperatives to negotiate better prices and reduce middlemen exploitation.

Local mango farmer Abdul Karim, who owns a 10-acre orchard in the Charghat upazila, expressed cautious optimism. “We have the best mangoes in the world, but we often lose money because of spoilage or low prices during peak season. This program gives us hope that our hard work will finally pay off,” he said.

The move comes at a time when global demand for tropical fruits is surging, driven by health-conscious consumers and expanding middle classes in Asia and the Middle East. Bangladesh’s mango exports, currently worth around $15 million annually, have significant growth potential, according to the Export Promotion Bureau. Rajshahi alone accounts for nearly 70% of the country’s mango production, making the region critical to achieving national export targets.

However, challenges remain. The initiative must overcome infrastructure gaps, including unreliable electricity supply in rural areas, which could hamper cold chain operations. Climate change also poses risks, with erratic weather patterns affecting flowering and fruit set. To address these, the program includes a climate resilience component, promoting drought-tolerant rootstocks and water-efficient irrigation methods.

International buyers have shown interest. A trade delegation from the United Arab Emirates visited Rajshahi last month and signed a preliminary agreement to import 500 metric tons of mangoes this season, provided quality benchmarks are met. “We see great potential in Rajshahi mangoes, but consistency is key,” said Ahmed Al-Farsi, a Dubai-based importer. “If this initiative delivers, we could expand orders significantly.”

The Rajshahi initiative is part of a broader national effort to diversify Bangladesh’s export basket beyond ready-made garments. Agriculture, particularly high-value horticulture, is seen as a promising sector for economic growth and rural development. The government has allocated additional funds for research and infrastructure in other mango-producing districts, including Chapainawabganj and Satkhira.

As the mango season approaches in May, farmers and officials alike are watching closely. With proper implementation, the Rajshahi model could serve as a blueprint for other agricultural regions in Bangladesh, transforming local produce into global commodities. For now, the city’s mango growers are preparing for what they hope will be a landmark year.