Bangladesh’s Fisheries, Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said the government will work to reduce freight costs and remove barriers affecting mango exports.
The minister made the remarks while inaugurating the mango export season at an event organised by the Exportable Mango Production Project under the Department of Agricultural Extension at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council.
According to Rashid, high freight charges remain one of the main challenges for agricultural exports, particularly because air transport is currently the primary option for shipping fresh produce abroad.
“So we have to reach a solution on a higher freight charge,” he said.
Bangladesh is ranked among the world’s largest mango-producing countries, with annual production estimated at 2.5-2.7 million tons. However, exports remain below 1 per cent of total production due to infrastructure limitations and export-related challenges.
The minister said Bangladeshi mangoes face policy and legal complications despite export demand.
Project Director of the Exportable Mango Production Project, Arifur Rahman, said the government is working to expand exports through improved Good Agricultural Practice programs.
According to Rahman, only seven or eight of Bangladesh’s 72 mango varieties are currently exported, with Amrapali accounting for approximately 80 per cent of shipments. Other export varieties include Himsagar, Langra, BARI-4, and Fajli.
Rahman said improving colour and shelf life remains important for export development.
He also acknowledged ongoing export constraints, particularly air freight costs.
“By promoting advanced techniques and supporting farmers with resources, we have been able to meet growing demand in international markets,” Rahman said.
Mohammad Mansur, general secretary of the Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters Association, said freight costs increased two to three times last year compared with normal levels, contributing to lower exports.
According to Mansur, infrastructure gaps remain a challenge for the sector, including the lack of vapour heat treatment facilities, cooling systems, and storage infrastructure.
“We have to reach the mangoes and other agro-commodities at the airport before eight hours, and the quality of most of the commodities deteriorated due to a lack of a cooling house and other storage facilities,” he said.
In 2025, Bangladesh exported mangoes to 26 countries. The United Kingdom imported 686 tons, followed by Saudi Arabia with more than 356 tons, Italy with more than 264 tons, Kuwait with more than 167 tons, and Qatar with 163 tons. China was added as a new destination with imports of 5 tons.
“Bangladeshi mangoes may not always look perfect, but their taste is superior; this is why demand is so strong,” Rahman said.
Source: The Bangladesh Today