DHAKA, Jun 18 (V7N) – Bangladesh is undergoing a “revolution” in fruit production, with efforts underway to revive extinct varieties and expand commercial cultivation of both local and foreign-origin fruits, according to Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid.
The minister made the remarks while inaugurating the National Fruit Fair at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka on Thursday.
He said that fruits once considered extinct in the country are now being reintroduced through cultivation and research initiatives, marking a significant transformation in the agricultural sector.
According to the minister, several fruits that were previously imported are now being successfully grown domestically. He also noted that dragon fruit, though originally foreign, is now being cultivated in Bangladesh at a level that allows for potential export.
He added that exports of mango and jackfruit have already begun, highlighting growing international demand for Bangladeshi produce. He also pointed to the diversification of jackfruit-based products, including vegetables, kebabs, singara, and samosas, which are gaining popularity both locally and abroad.
The minister further said that jackfruit has attracted international research interest, while Bangladesh is also strengthening its own agricultural research capacity in this area.
He noted that the agriculture budget has increased by 10 percent compared to last year, with certain incentives rising by as much as 59 percent, aimed at boosting productivity and innovation in the sector.
Officials say the expansion of fruit cultivation is part of a broader strategy to enhance food security, increase exports, and reduce dependency on imports, while also promoting value-added agricultural products.
The National Fruit Fair showcased a wide range of locally grown and newly introduced fruits, reflecting what officials describe as a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape in Bangladesh.
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