News Flash
DINAJPUR, June 23, 2025 (BSS) – Mangoes of the Banana variety, cultivated in Birol upazila of Dinajpur, have officially entered the European market.
An initial consignment of 100 kilograms (kgs) was dispatched to Switzerland from the orchard of Md. Mominul Islam. In the coming weeks, a total of three metric tons of Banana, Katimon, and BARI-4 mangoes are scheduled to be shipped in phases to Sweden and Qatar.
Mango orchard owner Mominul Islam said that Banana, BARI-4, Katimon, and BN-7 mango varieties have been cultivated across four acres of land in Sadardanga village of Birol upazila. On June 21, the first shipment of selected banana mangoes was sent to Switzerland in a single cartload.
He explained that mango growers from the Rajshahi region have started leasing land in different parts of Birol upazila for 10 to 15 years to cultivate mangoes. Inspired by them and advised by the local agricultural extension office, he began his mango orchard.
Mominul said that in 2019, he initiated this project to cultivate improved and delicious mango varieties on four acres. The mangoes are grown entirely with organic fertilizers and pesticides under the guidance of the Upazila Agriculture Department.
The trees bore few mangoes last year but this year's yield has been abundant, he said, adding that each tree of the Banana variety has produced between 100 and 250 mangoes.
Due to their vibrant color and attractive shape, these mangoes are in high demand, he said.
Although cultivation began on a small scale, interest grew following early successes, said Mominul, adding that he has now taken lease of land in several unions within the upazila, expanding mango cultivation to a total of 18 acres, comprising about 7,560 mango trees of various types.
He further noted that 25 to 30 people are currently employed in his orchard. Although last year’s yield was modest, he expected to harvest several tons of mangoes this season, as harvesting began on June 20.
Banana mangoes are being sold directly from the orchard at a price of Tk 120 to Tk 130 per kg. Buyers from distant areas are showing interest. He anticipated that at this rate, his earning will be several lakh.
A buyer, Md. Nazmul Hasan, a college teacher from Balubari Mohalla in Dinajpur city, said he bought 2 kgs of bBanana mangoes from Mominul’s orchard last year. Finding the fruit delicious, he purchased 5 kgs this year at Tk 120 per kg. He plans to enjoy juicy fruit with family and friends.
Mominul Islam told BSS that with guidance and help from Birol upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Mostafa Hasan Imam, he exported mangoes to England last year. This year, under joint directives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce, he is exporting to Sweden, Switzerland, and Qatar.
For the first time, he has exported 100 kgs of Banana mangoes from his Sadardanga orchard. He is hopeful of receiving orders from other European countries.
Birol Upazila Agriculture Officer Mustafa Hasan Imam said that Birol is now steadily building a strong reputation as a promising agricultural hub although the area was already known for its abundant litchi production, mango cultivation is now flourishing. He noted that many farmers have been inspired to take up mango farming and have established large-scale orchards.
He further mentioned that last year marked the first export of mangoes from this region to England. Building on that achievement, exports are expanding to three countries in 2025. As part of this initiative, 100 kilograms of Banana mangoes have already been shipped, with an additional three metric tons set for export, he added.
Md. Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, noted that several mango varieties, including Banana mangoes from Dinajpur, were exported experimentally last year. This year, several European nations have shown interest in importing them. As a result, a coordinated initiative has been launched to gather and export mangoes in consultation with farmers.
