Rajshahi sets mango production target at 1.198 million metric tonnes

Nature has taken on a fresh look after the rains at the end of Chaittra. The trees in Rajshahi, known as the capital of mangoes, are adorned with green buds. The earthy scent and fragrance of flowers have breathed life into villages. As the new season begins, farmers are dreaming golden dreams. With favourable weather combining sunshine and rain, mango trees are filling with small mango buds. The canopy of green leaves interspersed with flowers and buds creates a stunning natural tapestry. After rice, mango is the most reliable crop for farmers in this region.

The mango production target for the Rajshahi region this year has been set at 1,198,068 metric tonnes. The Divisional Office of the Department of Agricultural Extension said the estimated economic value is approximately Tk 11,147.24 crore.

Meanwhile, farmers have become increasingly busy in orchards around mango production. Some are irrigating, others are spraying to control pests and diseases. According to farmers, achieving good quality fruit requires applying pesticides six to seven times over three months.

Enamul Haque, a farmer from Kashitara village in Sapahar upazila, Naogaon, said if the weather remains favourable and no major natural calamities occur, the yield will be good this year. Almost all trees have produced buds, which is promising compared to recent years.

Md Moniruzzaman Toki, an officer at the Sapahar upazila agricultural extension office, said sunshine and rain have created favourable conditions for mango cultivation, resulting in fewer diseases. If this trend continues, there is potential for a bumper harvest. However, diseases may increase somewhat during the monsoon.

He further said mangoes are being cultivated on 9,280 hectares of land in Sapahar upazila, with a production target of 140,000 metric tonnes.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, four districts of the Rajshahi region—Rajshahi, Naogaon, Chapainawabganj and Natore—form one of the country's main mango-producing areas. Various varieties such as Amrapali, Khirsapat, Haribhanga, Langra, Gopalbhog, Katimon, Fazli and BARI-4 are grown here.

In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, mangoes worth approximately Tk 40.89 crore were exported to Germany, England, Sweden, Italy, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Canada. The average price per kilogram was Tk 93.

According to statistics, total production in the four districts in the 2023-2024 fiscal year was 1,028,845 metric tonnes. In the following year, 2024-2025, it rose to 1,202,095 metric tonnes. The target for the 2025-2026 fiscal year has been set at 1,198,068 metric tonnes.

Based on this target, with an average price of Tk 93 per kg, the total potential market value could be around Tk 11,147.24 crore.

Dr Md Shafiqul Islam, Chief Scientific Officer at the Rajshahi Fruit Research Centre, said there is potential for a good harvest this year due to favourable weather and farmers' care. Overall, an air of optimism surrounds the mango season in Rajshahi.