BSS Rajshahi :
Both wholesalers and retailers of Rajshahi and its adja,cent districts particularly Chapainawabganj are earning more profit selling mangoes as the local markets are witnessing a huge supply of different varieties of the fruit grown locally.
“We are passing a busy time and making good profit selling mangoes as supply and demand are almost equal,” said Anwar Hossain, a wholesale mango trader of Shaheb Bazar in Rajshahi city.
A similar scenario is also prevailing in others places, especially in rural areas in these districts. “The mango-based trade has changed the rural economic scenario of many districts,” the traders added.
During a visit to local mango markets in the district yesterday, this reporter found a huge supply of different varieties of mangoes produced in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, Langra and Khirsapat, superior varieties of mango known for their taste and flavour, along with some other delicious varieties like Langra, have appeared in the markets in abundance, apart from other local varieties.
Price range is between Tk 60 to Tk 90 per kg, the traders said, which is affordable for the buyers. Similarly, markets in Natore, Pabna and Naogaon are also flooded with mangoes.
Besides, large quantities of mangoes are being sent to other places in the country including capital Dhaka from Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj by passenger-coaches, trains, trucks and private vehicles every day.
Many buyers said some dishonest traders are mixing quality mangoes with low quality ones to make extra profit. But traders said the allegation against them is false. Mango is an important seasonal cash crop in northwestern Bangladesh, especially Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj. Every season, a large number of people are involved in various types of works in these areas.
“It creates job opportunities for many people and they can earn some extra money,” said Monzurul Huda, a horticulturist in Rajshahi. “Mango brings money to all kinds of people in Baneswar,” said mango trader Shariful Islam, adding that even a labourer earns Tk 500 to Tk 1,000 per day during the season.
“I normally earn Tk 500 a day as a farm hand. But during mango season, my income increases by at least Tk 200. Moreover, I do not have to buy mangoes, as orchard owners provide us with enough mangoes after every harvest,” said Monwar Hossain, a labourer of Baneswar.
Many rural women also make nearly Tk 150 to Tk 200 a day from sorting out green and ripe mangoes, said Jamila Khatun, a female labourer. “Mangoes bring blessings for poor people like me. We can eat mangoes, and also earn some money,” she said.
Even truckers and basket-sellers were doing brisk business as those are essential for transporting the fruit.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) officials of these districts said the area of land for mango farming is increasing every year and the orchardists are getting high return, producing mangoes. Besides, they can produce other crops on their mango orchards.
Gopal Bhog, Langra, Khirsapat, Fazli mango produced in the two districts has gained huge popularity among the farmers for its unique taste. It is sold at Tk 60 to Tk 120 per kg, depending on quality and size.
Both wholesalers and retailers of Rajshahi and its adja,cent districts particularly Chapainawabganj are earning more profit selling mangoes as the local markets are witnessing a huge supply of different varieties of the fruit grown locally.
“We are passing a busy time and making good profit selling mangoes as supply and demand are almost equal,” said Anwar Hossain, a wholesale mango trader of Shaheb Bazar in Rajshahi city.
A similar scenario is also prevailing in others places, especially in rural areas in these districts. “The mango-based trade has changed the rural economic scenario of many districts,” the traders added.
During a visit to local mango markets in the district yesterday, this reporter found a huge supply of different varieties of mangoes produced in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, Langra and Khirsapat, superior varieties of mango known for their taste and flavour, along with some other delicious varieties like Langra, have appeared in the markets in abundance, apart from other local varieties.
Price range is between Tk 60 to Tk 90 per kg, the traders said, which is affordable for the buyers. Similarly, markets in Natore, Pabna and Naogaon are also flooded with mangoes.
Besides, large quantities of mangoes are being sent to other places in the country including capital Dhaka from Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj by passenger-coaches, trains, trucks and private vehicles every day.
Many buyers said some dishonest traders are mixing quality mangoes with low quality ones to make extra profit. But traders said the allegation against them is false. Mango is an important seasonal cash crop in northwestern Bangladesh, especially Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj. Every season, a large number of people are involved in various types of works in these areas.
“It creates job opportunities for many people and they can earn some extra money,” said Monzurul Huda, a horticulturist in Rajshahi. “Mango brings money to all kinds of people in Baneswar,” said mango trader Shariful Islam, adding that even a labourer earns Tk 500 to Tk 1,000 per day during the season.
“I normally earn Tk 500 a day as a farm hand. But during mango season, my income increases by at least Tk 200. Moreover, I do not have to buy mangoes, as orchard owners provide us with enough mangoes after every harvest,” said Monwar Hossain, a labourer of Baneswar.
Many rural women also make nearly Tk 150 to Tk 200 a day from sorting out green and ripe mangoes, said Jamila Khatun, a female labourer. “Mangoes bring blessings for poor people like me. We can eat mangoes, and also earn some money,” she said.
Even truckers and basket-sellers were doing brisk business as those are essential for transporting the fruit.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) officials of these districts said the area of land for mango farming is increasing every year and the orchardists are getting high return, producing mangoes. Besides, they can produce other crops on their mango orchards.
Gopal Bhog, Langra, Khirsapat, Fazli mango produced in the two districts has gained huge popularity among the farmers for its unique taste. It is sold at Tk 60 to Tk 120 per kg, depending on quality and size.
