DHAKA, May 21, (V7N) – Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid has assured that the government will work to remove barriers to mango exports, particularly the issue of high freight charges, in line with its electoral commitment to make agricultural exports easier and smoother.

Speaking at the inauguration of mango exports organized by the Exportable Mango Production Project (EMAPP) under the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) at BARC, the minister said Bangladeshi mangoes are superior in taste compared to those from Thailand and Pakistan, but export volumes remain low due to policy complications and logistical challenges.

He noted that Bangladesh produces 25–27 lakh tonnes of mango annually, ranking seventh globally, yet exports account for less than 1 percent of production. The lack of infrastructure—from farms to airport shipment—remains a major obstacle. Rashid urged scientists to improve mango shelf life and color without altering the genetic integrity of original varieties to meet global market demand.

Project Director Arifur Rahman highlighted that of 72 varieties, only 7–8 are exported, with Amrapali accounting for 80 percent of shipments. Other exported varieties include Himsagar, Langra, BARI-4, and Fazli. He emphasized strengthening Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to boost exports.

Exporters, including Mohammad Mansur, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters Association, said freight costs rose two to three times last year, severely limiting exports. He also pointed to the absence of vapour heat treatment facilities and cooling houses as critical gaps.

In 2025, Bangladeshi mangoes reached 26 countries, with the UK importing the largest volume (686 tonnes), followed by Saudi Arabia (356 tonnes), Italy (264 tonnes), Kuwait (167 tonnes), Qatar (163 tonnes), and China (5 tonnes as a new destination).

Rahman remarked: “Bangladeshi mangoes may not always look perfect, but their taste is superior; this is why demand is so strong.”

END/AJ/RH/