Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, July 29, 2025 (BSS)- On the last leg of the season, mango trading has gained significant momentum in the Rajshahi region, amid soaring prices not seen even a month ago in this mango-rich area.

Late-season mango varieties, including Fazli, Ashwina, and BARI Mango-4, are currently dominating the markets. These varieties are harvested later than early-season ones like Gopalbhog, Himsagar, and Langra, extending the mango season well into July and early August.

Fazli, in particular, is a highly popular late-season cultivar known for its large size and suitability for processing into jams and pickles. Ashwina, another late-harvest variety, and BARI Mango-4, along with Gouramati, are now arriving in the markets when early varieties have mostly vanished.

Market sources said mangoes that were selling at Taka 1,500 to 2,000 per mound about a month ago are now being sold at Taka 7,000 to 8,000 per mound due to reduced supply and the season's approaching end.

Despite the steep price hike, consumer demand remains relatively strong, although most buyers are purchasing limited quantities.

Currently, late varieties including Amrapali, BARI-4, Fazli, Gouramati, Ashwina, Katimon, and Banana mangoes are being traded in the markets of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon districts.

Sekendar Ali, owner of Satata Fal Vander in the city's Seroil area, said he has brought high-quality mangoes from Sapahar in Naogaon, which are now being sold at attractive prices. He noted that prices have doubled within a span of just 15 days, bringing smiles to the faces of both traders and growers.

"Amrapali, Katimon, and Banana mangoes are being sold at Taka 180 to 200 per kilogram, while Fazli, Gouramati, and BARI-4 are going for Taka 100 to 125 per kilogram, and Ashwina for 
Taka 40 to 50 per kilogram," he added.

Dr Azizur Rahman, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), said the Barind region has witnessed a steady expansion of mango cultivation over the past decade, significantly boosting the local economy and transforming the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.

Known as the country's key mango-producing zone, the Barind tract-comprising Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon-has seen remarkable growth in cultivation area, production volume, and adoption of modern techniques.

Previously challenged by poor soil and water scarcity, the red and undulating terrain of Barind was primarily limited to rice farming. But the situation has changed dramatically.

Mango orchards now cover hundreds of acres in Godagari and Tanore upazilas in Rajshahi, Shibganj, Nachole, and Gomastapur in Chapainawabganj, and Sapahar, Niamatpur, Manda, and Porsha upazilas in Naogaon.

Dr Rahman said mangoes were cultivated on 87,307 hectares of land this year, with an expected production of around 10 lakh metric tonnes worth approximately Taka 10,000 crore.

"This year's production may break all previous records," he remarked.

He further noted that the enhanced yield has added a new dimension to the region's economic development and agricultural diversification, especially at a time when paddy farming is struggling due to irrigation water shortages in the high Barind areas.

The region's mangoes are not only meeting local demand but are also being supplied commercially to different parts of the country, including the capital Dhaka. The increasing international recognition of local mangoes and expanded market management are also encouraging farmers to continue investing in mango cultivation, Dr Rahman added.