Despite being among the world’s top 10 mango-producing countries, Bangladesh continues to lag in exports. Sector insiders point to several longstanding issues behind this, including political instability, failure to follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), packaging problems, a weak branding image, and high air freight charges. Still, Bangladesh has set a new target to export 5,000 tons of mangoes to 38 countries this season. Compared to last year, it is an increase of 3,679 tons.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), nearly 205,034 hectares of land are expected to yield around 2.5 million tons of mangoes this season. Of this, roughly 40,000 tons are deemed suitable for export.

Officials from the Exportable Mango Production Project said this year’s production could range between 2.4 and 2.5 million tons, of which 40,000 tons are suitable for export. While the previous export target stood at only 1,500 tons, the government now aims to ship 5,000 tons. For the first time, Bangladesh is also planning to export mangoes to China, while discussions are ongoing with Australia and Japan.

DAE sources revealed that mango production is highest in districts such as Naogaon, Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi, Satkhira, Khagrachari, Bandarban, and Rangpur. Mango output was 2.35 million tons in the 2020–21 fiscal year, which rose to 2.7 million tons in the 2022–23 fiscal year. In the last fiscal year (FY 2023–24), mango production slightly decreased to 2.5 million tons.

Despite high production, Bangladesh remains a minor player in the global mango export market. DAE data shows that the country exported 1,757 tons in the 2021–22 fiscal year, which increased marginally to 1,788 tons in FY 2022–23. However, exports dropped to 1,321 tons in FY 2023–24. This year’s goal to export 5,000 tons marks a significant increase.

DAE noted that various mango varieties—including Fazli, Langra, Gopalbhog, Himsagar, Khirshapati, Amrapali, Mallika, Subarnarekha, Mishridana, Nilambari, Kalibhog, Kachamitha, Alphonso, Baromashi, Totapuri, Carabao, Keitt, Gopal Khas, Kent, Surjapuri, Pahutan, Trifola, Haribhanga, Chatapara, Gutli, Lakhna, Adaira, Kolabati, and Rupali—are grown across ten major mango-producing districts. These cater to domestic demand and are exported to 38 countries, with the UK, Italy, and Saudi Arabia being top destinations. Other export markets include the US, Canada, Kuwait, Qatar, and various countries in Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

Mohammad Arifur Rahman, Project Director of the Exportable Mango Production Project under the DAE, told Bonik Barta, “Bangladesh is naturally suited for mango cultivation due to its weather and geography. We produce around 2 to 2.5 million tons each season, making us the world’s seventh-largest producer. Our mangoes are exported to several countries. This year, we’ve set a much higher export target of 5,000 tons. If supply remains steady according to demand, we believe we can reach it.”

He added that Bangladesh has now cleared several barriers to exporting to China. “The Chinese side has expressed interest in importing mangoes from us. The previous hurdles in exporting mangoes to China have been resolved. So we’re hopeful for record-high exports this year.”

When asked why the export target is still relatively low despite 40,000 tons of mangoes being export-ready, Arifur Rahman said, “Many countries also produce and export mangoes, and we can’t access all of their markets. High air freight costs and limited space on flights are major obstacles. In contrast, India and Pakistan benefit from cheaper freight. If our air cargo charges were reduced and more space was allocated for fresh produce, we could export much more mangoes and vegetables.”