Photo: BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, June 24, 2025 (BSS) - Fazli mango marketing in Rajshahi has started gaining momentum, with bustling markets and increased online sales for the last few days.

Fazli "king of mangoes" is a significant seasonal cash crop in the region, particularly in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon, and the variety remains in the markets for a couple of weeks.

A large number of people are involved in various aspects of the mango business, from harvesting to marketing.

Nasirul Islam, a farmer of Belpukur village under Puthiya Upazila, said the mangoes are being sold at Taka 1,600 to 1,800 per mound at local markets at present. The traders and growers are satisfied with the outputs.

"Now, we are selling Fazli mango after ending most of the conventional varieties like Gopalbhog and Khirsapat," said Shafiqul Islam, a retailer of Shaheb Bazar Mango Market. There is another variety, Amrupaly, in the market at present, he added.

Major mango markets such as Baneswar, Shaheb Bazar, Haragram, Upashahar, Shalbagan, Rajabari, Godagari, Kansat, and Rohanpur have taken on a festive appearance, contributing to the revitalization of the rural economy.

Abu Sayeed, a trader at Baneswar Bazar in Puthiya upazila, said that all varieties of mango are sold based on size and quality in the wholesale markets.

Many small vendors have taken to selling mangoes on roadsides and localities using rickshaw-vans and other small carriers. Most kitchen and vegetable markets are now flooded with newly harvested mangoes, creating morning traffic congestion in many areas.

Montu Sarker, leaseholder of Baneswar Bazar, said that farmers and traders are harvesting mangoes following the directives issued by the district administration, which has resulted in the natural ripening of varieties like Langra, Lakhna, Fazli and many other indigenous types.

"The mango-based trade has brought about significant economic activity in the rural areas," said Jamal Uddin, a trader at Shaheb Bazar. "We are selling around 30 mounds daily at prices ranging from Tk 1,500 to Tk 2,000 per mound."

 
Large consignments of mangoes are being transported daily to Dhaka and other parts of the country from Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj via buses, trains, trucks, and private vehicles.

This seasonal boom has not only provided fair prices for growers but also created employment opportunities for thousands, while consumers enjoy fresh, formalin-free mangoes.

Talking to BSS, Dr Azizur Rahman, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), said that diversified mango-centric economic activities have significantly bolstered the rural economy in the region.

"There is a production target of 12.55 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes this season, with an estimated trade value of around Tk 7,000 crore in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, and Natore," he said.
    
Mango production and acreage have seen consistent growth over the past four years, aided by high-yielding varieties, suitable soil, and favorable weather conditions. Official figures show the region accounts for nearly half of the country's total mango output.

Among the districts, Chapainawabganj is expected to produce the highest at 4.58 lakh tonnes, followed by Naogaon with 3.78 lakh tonnes, Rajshahi with 2.86 lakh tonnes, and Natore with 1.34 lakh tonnes.

Dr Rahman expressed optimism about achieving a record yield of 28 lakh metric tonnes this season due to the absence of natural calamities.

Around 1.30 lakh people are currently engaged in mango harvesting, sorting, packaging, transportation, and marketing across the region, he added.

Every season, a large number of people are involved in various types of work in the area. "It creates job opportunities for many people and they can earn some extra money," said Umme Salma, Deputy Director of DAE.

"Mango brings money to all sections of people in Baneshwar," said mango trader Shariful Islam, adding that even a labourer earns Tk 500 to Tk 1,000 per day during the season.

 Many of the young entrepreneurs in the region are selling mangoes online using Facebook and WhatsApp, benefiting both the sellers and buyers.