Mango surge in Bangladesh at risk without urgent support

Bangladesh’s mango production, especially in Naogaon district where the cultivated area has expanded from 6,000 to over 30,000 hectares, is showing signs of strain unless key reforms are made.

Farmers report skyrocketing input costs — pesticide expenses rising from Tk 5,000–10,000 to Tk 25,000–30,000 per bigha (≈ USD 41–82) — eating into profits. The sector is also battling pest outbreaks and exploitative practices like forced fruit surrender (dholan).

Nationally, Bangladesh produces 2.5–2.7 million metric tons of mangoes annually, but exports remain minimal. By August 2025, exports stood at just 2,167 tons. Cold-chain deficiencies and airfreight costs (up to Tk 600/kg, ~USD 4.92) hamper global competitiveness.

Observing these risks, analysts call for urgent policy measures — subsidised inputs, marketing reform, freezer-chain expansion and dedicated export logistics — to preserve momentum in Bangladesh’s mango boom.

source: thedailystar.net

photo: bssnews.net