Photo : BSS

KHULNA, April 21, 2025 (BSS) - Khulna, one of Bangladesh's emerging mango-producing regions, is on track for a record-breaking season with an expected harvest worth Taka 863.31 crore. According to farmers and officials, favorable weather and the absence of natural disasters have boosted the yield this year. 

The Department of Agricultural Extension in Khulna region is expecting to produce 1,07,914 tonnes of mangoes in 7,890 hectares of land, with an average of 13.67 tonnes per hectare in Satkhira, Narail, Bagerhat and Khulna district. 

In Satkhira alone, a total of 63,081 tonnes of mangoes are expected to be produced on 4,135 hectares of land.

Besides, At least 22,073 tonnes of mangoes are expected to be produced in 1,617 hectares of land in Khulna, 15,726 tonnes in 1,598 hectares in Bagerhat and 7,034 tonnes of mangoes are expected in 540 hectares of land in Narail.

In the 2024 season, the region produced 1,07,500 tonnes of mangoes on 7,859 hectares of land.
 
Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the Khulna Regional Agricultural Extension Directorate (DAE), said this projected crop will provide a significant boost to the region's economy, reinforcing Khulna's reputation as one of Bangladesh's emerging mango-producing districts. 

He said rural farmers are increasingly interested in mango cultivation, viewing it as a profitable venture to improve their economic well-being.

The DAE Additional Director said they have set a target to export 120 tonnes of Satkhira's mango including 90 tonnes of 'Himsagar', 20 tonnes of 'Gobindovog', and 10 tonnes of 'Amrupali', in different European countries.

"If the weather, temperature fluctuations, and pest attacks remain within tolerable limits in the coming days, we expect a smooth production process and a bumper yield this season," Md Rafiqul Islam stated. 

The average temperature this year has stayed around 20 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for mango cultivation. However, recent misty conditions have raised concerns over possible fungal infections, prompting the department to advise farmers to apply fungicides as a precautionary measure. 

Highlighting the export potential, the DAE Additional Director said, "Satkhira's 'Gobindovog' and 'Gopalvog'-juicy varieties not cultivated elsewhere in the country-along with 'Langra' and 'Himsagar' (known as 'Khirsa' in Rajshahi), have strong demand in international markets."

In addition, the region also cultivates other popular varieties like 'BARI-3', 'BARI-4', 'Amrupali', 'Lata Bombay', and 'Katimon'. Notably, 'Golapjam', grown exclusively in Tala upazila of Satkhira, is also in high demand both domestically and internationally, he added. 

Sources said the retail price of mangoes is expected to range between Tk 70 and Tk 80 per kilogram this year.

Sabur Mia from Sultanpur village, Satkhira Sadar, said he has been cultivating the delicious and fibreless 'Gopalvog' variety on his eight-acre orchard for 20 years.

"The tender fruits are growing exceptionally well amid favorable weather. I'm hopeful for a bumper harvest," he said.

Enayet Kazi of Itna village in Lohagora upazila of Narail, who grows 'BARI-3' and 'Amrupali' mangoes on seven acres, echoed the sentiment.

"With good weather continuing, I expect to earn better profits by selling the mature mangoes in May and June," he added.