6 hour(s) ago
Shohanur Rahman Rafi
Mango growers and traders in Rajshahi are facing a difficult season as prices have dropped sharply despite a good harvest, raising concerns about whether farmers will be able to recover their production costs.At Baneshwar Mango Market in Puthia, one of the region’s largest wholesale mango hubs, trading activity is lower than expected.Around 50 commission agents operate in the market, where seasonal varieties such as guti, gopalbhog, lakkhanbhog, himsagar (khirsapat), and langra are currently being sold.Farmers say favourable weather and regular irrigation helped ensure good production this year, but weak demand has pushed prices down.According to growers, gopalbhog mangoes are selling for Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,800 per maund, while khirsapat is fetching Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,200 per maund -- around Tk 1,000 less per maund than last year.Abdur Rahman, a grower from Charghat, said lakkhanbhog mangoes are selling for only Tk 700 per maund.He added that rising production costs have made the situation more challenging.
“Each tree required 1,500 to 2,000 taka for pesticides and irrigation. I also spent 5 lakh taka to lease a 150-tree orchard for three years. With prices this low, it will be difficult to make a profit,” he said.Traders say sales have also declined significantly.Bachchu Mia, a commission agent at Baneshwar Market, said sales volume has fallen to nearly half of last year’s level as wholesalers are placing fewer orders.The lower prices, however, have benefited consumers.Buyers say mangoes are more affordable this season compared with last year, when lower production pushed prices higher.Meanwhile, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) says strict monitoring is ensuring that only safe and chemical-free mangoes are reaching markets.Additional Deputy Director (Horticulture) Papiya Rahman Mouri expressed hope that mango exports, which were suspended last year, would resume this season following discussions with exporters.According to the DAE, Rajshahi is expected to produce 243,993 tonnes of mangoes this year, with an estimated market value of Tk 780.78 crore.
