Photo: BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, June 9, 2025 (BSS) - Mango trading has started gaining pace again in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Naogaon following the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. With the arrival of popular seasonal varieties like Langra, Khirsapat, Himsagar and Amropaly, local markets have begun to bustle with activity.

Before Eid, mango trading slowed significantly due to a focus on cattle markets, the closure of courier services and extended holidays from June 4 to 8. 

Prices fell by Tk 400-600 per mound in many areas. However, with business resuming, prices and demand are now gradually stabilizing.

Online sales through courier services are also rising. In recent years, these services have become essential for transporting mangoes to urban buyers. With their operations back in motion, traders expect the situation to normalize within a few days.

Major wholesale markets such as Baneswar, Shaheb Bazar, Horogram, Upashahar, Godagari, Kansat and Rohanpur are seeing increased activity. In addition to formal markets, many small traders are selling mangoes directly to consumers on roadsides and through rickshaw-vans, especially in residential areas. This has led to traffic congestion around marketplaces during morning hours.

Farmers are currently harvesting early-season varieties under the supervision of local administrations. Late-season varieties like Fazly, Ashwina, and BARI Mango-4 will enter markets soon, keeping the supply steady in the coming weeks. 

According to traders, Langra and Himsagar are being sold at Tk 3,500 to Tk 4,500 per mound depending on size and quality, while native varieties are priced slightly lower.

The mango trade is a vital part of the regional economy. Over 265,000 farmers and orchard owners across Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, and Natore are directly involved in cultivation. Additionally, about 130,000 people work in harvesting, packaging, transporting, and marketing.

Chapainawabganj expects about 450,000 tons of mangoes from 37,604 hectares of land this year. Naogaon is projected to produce around 432,000 tons from 30,300 hectares and Rajshahi district anticipates 260,000 tons from 19,602 hectares.

In a significant policy shift, mangoes will now be sold by kilogram instead of the traditional "Dhalan" method. Under Dhalan, wholesalers purchased between 42 to 55 kg of mangoes per mound (which officially equals 40 kg) but paid only for 40 kg, resulting in financial losses for farmers. Though efforts were made in the past to end this practice, they were largely ineffective.

To address the issue, the divisional administration recently held a meeting with traders, farmers, and officials from Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, and Natore. Chaired by Divisional Commissioner Khandaker Azim Ahmed, the meeting unanimously agreed to enforce kilogram-based trading. The new system has been in effect since Friday.

Commissioner Ahmed said all stakeholders must follow the new rule and support its implementation. 

He warned that legal action would be taken if anyone tries to continue the outdated Dhalan system. Local officials at the district and upazila levels have been instructed to closely monitor compliance and ensure that farmers benefit fully from the reform.