Rajshahi, June 16 (V7N)– The renowned mango market in Rajshahi is experiencing a significant downturn, with farmers and traders facing potential losses of hundreds of crores of Taka. Many attribute the slump to the timing of Eid-ul-Azha coinciding with the peak mango season, alongside an alleged exploitation by traders charging extra for each mound (40 kg) of mango.

According to the Rajshahi Agricultural Department, while Rajshahi is famous for mangoes, the primary production centers are actually Chapainawabganj and Bagha Upazilas. Out of Rajshahi's 19,578 hectares of mango orchards across nine upazilas, Bagha alone accounts for 8,570 hectares. Notable varieties include Gopal Bhog, Himsagar, Amrapali, Langra, Totapuri, Fazli, Ashwina, and various local varieties like Guthi and Lokkhonbhog.

Local mango traders noted that last year's low production led to high prices. However, this year's abundant yield has driven prices down. Some speculate that the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, which prompted many people to leave Dhaka, caused a drop in demand in the capital, allowing local traders to capitalize. The simultaneous ripening of all mango varieties is also cited as a contributing factor.

Allegations of Exploitation and Financial Strain
Farmers in Bagha are particularly distressed by what they call the "Dhollon" practice, where traders take an additional five kilograms of mango free with every mound purchased.

"Last year, all mangoes were sold at 40 kg per mound. But this year, mango traders are taking an extra 5 kg (locally called 'Dhollon') for free with each mound," complained Abdur Razzak, a mango orchard owner in Bagha. "As a result, while traders are profiting, orchard owners are suffering financially."

Prices and Market Conditions
A visit to Bagha market revealed current prices:

Lokkhona: Tk 550-600 per mound
Himsagar: Tk 1400-1600 per mound
Langra: Tk 1200-1300 per mound
Fazli: Tk 850-1000 per mound
Amrapali: Tk 1400-1600 per mound
Orchard owners lament that the extended Eid-ul-Azha holidays saw many people leaving Dhaka, leading to a fall in prices in the capital, which has now impacted prices in the region.

Bagmara Struggles Amidst Heat and Eid Festivities
Meanwhile, in Bagmara, local correspondent Mahfuzur Rahman Prince reported that mango farmers and traders are facing immense challenges due to the intense heat and the ongoing Eid-ul-Azha celebrations. In local markets, popular varieties like Langra and Khirsapat are selling for as low as Tk 15-20 per kilogram, yet buyers are scarce.

Mango traders explain that the prolonged sweltering heat has reduced people's desire to consume mangoes. Furthermore, with Eid-ul-Azha focusing on meat consumption, there is little demand for mangoes in local markets. Many local traders who purchased mango orchards expecting good profits are now facing substantial losses.

Saidur, a mango trader from Bhabaniganj Municipality, shared his plight: "I bought an orchard for Tk 3.5 lakh, and with care and other expenses, it cost almost Tk 5 lakh. Now, I haven't even been able to sell Tk 2 lakh worth of mangoes from that orchard. Due to the intense heat, mangoes are simply falling off the trees."

Asaduzzaman, a mango farmer from Maria, noted that his yield this year was much lower than last year. Despite this, mangoes are falling from trees before fully ripening, and the market price isn't even covering the costs of harvesting and transportation.

Agricultural Official's Comments
Upazila Agriculture Officer, Agriculturist Abdur Razzak, stated that Bagmara has approximately 500 hectares of mango orchards, primarily producing Khirsapat, Langra, and Fazli varieties. "It's the end of the mango harvest season now, and mangoes will naturally fall off the trees as they ripen," he said. "However, due to the extreme heat, people are not consuming as many mangoes, which could lead to a further drop in market prices."

The crisis highlights the volatile nature of agricultural markets, particularly when unforeseen circumstances like extreme weather and major holidays intersect with peak harvest seasons.
END/RAR/RH/