Farmers say lower demand, high orchard costs and suspended exports have clouded hopes of profit this season
1 hour(s) ago
Shohanur Rahman Rafi
Mango farmers and traders in Rajshahi are facing disappointing returns this season, with prices falling below expectations amid weak demand caused by a drop in buyer turnout after Eid-ul-Azha.A recent visit to Baneshwar Mango Market in Puthia upazila revealed sluggish trading activity. The market -- one of the region’s major mango hubs -- hosts nearly 50 commission agents engaged in wholesale mango trading.Rajshahi is widely known as the mango capital of Bangladesh. At present, local varieties, including Guti, Gopalbhog, Lakkhanbhog, Himsagar (Khirsapat), and, in some areas, Langra are available in the markets.Rafikul Islam, a mango farmer from Baneshwar area, who has been involved in the trade for the past 10 years, said while Gopalbhog and Khirsapat mangoes are enjoying some demand in the market, the Guti variety is attracting almost no buyers.“Gopalbhog is selling for Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,800 per maund (40 kg), while Khirsapat is being sold for Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,200 per maund. Last season, prices for these varieties were nearly Tk 1,000 higher per maund,” he said.
