RAJSHAHI, June 25, 2025 (BSS)- A three-day colourful mango fair began here on Tuesday, aiming to promote safe mango production and exports while enhancing the global branding of Rajshahi's mangoes.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) is hosting the event at the premises of its Additional Director's office as part of its 'Exportable Mango Production Project'. The fair was inaugurated with the release of balloons and festoons on Tuesday afternoon.

DAE Additional Director Dr Azizur Rahman chaired the opening ceremony, which was addressed by, among others, Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Habibur Rahman, Superintendent of Police Farzana Yeasmin, Principal Scientific Officer of the Regional Fruit Research Station Dr Shafiqul Islam, and Regional Seed Certification Officer Dr Motaleb Hossain.

DAE Deputy Director Umme Salma delivered the welcome speech.

The fair features 21 stalls showcasing around 150 varieties of mangoes, including popular varieties such as Langra, Himsagar, Amrapali, Fazli, and Haribhanga. The fair will remain open daily from 9am to 10pm until June 26.

Speaking at the event, Additional Commissioner Habibur Rahman said the ongoing project is focused on increasing the production of export-quality mangoes through the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), farmer training, and improved infrastructure.

"One of the major challenges in expanding mango exports is the limited implementation of GAP among farmers," he added.

He further noted that the initiative aims to significantly enhance mango production and exports from Bangladesh by modernizing farming methods and technology, ultimately contributing to increased farmer income, job creation, and rural economic growth.

In his remarks, Dr Azizur Rahman said that diversified mango-centric economic activities have significantly bolstered the rural economy in the region.

"There is a production target of 12.55 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes this season, with an estimated trade value of around Tk 7,000 crore in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, and Natore," he said.

He added that mango-related activities-harvesting, transportation, storage, marketing, and packaging-are expected to generate seasonal employment for nearly three lakh people, contributing to a total mango-centric economic value of approximately Tk 10,000 crore.

Mango production and acreage have seen steady growth in recent years, supported by the cultivation of high-yielding varieties, suitable soil, and favourable weather conditions. Official data indicates that the region accounts for nearly half of the country's total mango production.

Among the districts, Chapainawabganj is expected to lead with 4.58 lakh tonnes, followed by Naogaon with 3.78 lakh tonnes, Rajshahi with 2.86 lakh tonnes, and Natore with 1.34 lakh tonnes.

Dr Rahman expressed optimism about achieving a record national mango yield of 28 lakh metric tonnes this season due to the absence of natural calamities.

He said around 1.30 lakh people are currently engaged in various mango-related activities, including harvesting, sorting, packaging, transportation, and marketing across the region.