Photo: PID

DHAKA, June 18, 2026 (BSS) - Agriculture and Fisheries & Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today said Bangladesh has witnessed a huge revolution in fruit production, decreasing dependency on foreign imports.

“Bangladesh has made a revolutionary breakthrough in producing fruits. Extinct varieties of native fruits have been brought back to the spotlight, while foreign fruits that are now successfully grown domestically are being displayed at the fair,” he said.

The minister made these remarks while exchanging views with journalists after inaugurating a three-day national fruit fair on the premises of the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital’s Farmgate area this morning.

Highlighting the economic impact of local farming, Amin Ur Rashid noted that the domestic cultivation of exotic fruits has drastically reduced imports, expressing optimism that the country will no longer need to import fruits in near future.

“We have already initiated the export of mangoes, pineapples, and jackfruits. This year, jackfruit exports are expected to rise significantly. To boost our fruit exports further, we plan to organize fruit fairs abroad in the coming days,” the minister added.

Regarding the massive success of dragon fruit cultivation, he said, “Just a few years ago, we had to import dragon fruit. Today, we are dreaming of exporting it. Our climate gives us this confidence because the dragon fruits grown in other countries are not as delicious as ours.”

Later, attending a seminar as the chief guest at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium to mark the fruit fair, the minister reiterated that remarkable progress has been achieved in the agricultural sector.

Production of fruits like mango, jackfruit, guava, litchi, pineapple, and dragon fruit has increased manifold, elevating the demand for Bangladeshi fruits in international markets, he added.

“Ensuring the production of safe and high-quality fruits, establishing modern storage systems, expanding processing industries, and boosting exports are among the top priorities of the government,” he said.

The minister emphasized that fruits not only meet the nutritional needs of citizens but also play a critical role in enhancing the economic conditions of farmers. He stressed the need for utilizing modern technologies to prevent post-harvest waste and ensure year-round preservation.

He also urged every family to plant fruit-bearing trees and encouraged citizens to include native fruits in their daily diets.

Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul I Mohamed presided over the seminar.