The three-day National Fruit Fair 2026 has begun at the premises of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) in Farmgate, Dhaka, with the theme “Grow More Fruits, Preserve Them for Twelve Months”.
The fair organised by the Department of Agricultural Extension, aims to increase the production of local fruits, reduce post-harvest losses, expand preservation and processing technologies, ensure nutritional security, and highlight the potential of fruit exports, reads a press release.
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid formally inaugurated the fair on Thursday morning.
After the inauguration, he visited various government and private stalls participating in the event and exchanged views with growers and stakeholders on local fruit production, modern cultivation methods, post-harvest management, preservation technologies, processing, and marketing activities.
Later, a seminar titled “Grow More Fruits, Preserve Them for Twelve Months” was held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), where the minister attended as the chief guest.
The seminar was chaired by Rafiqul I Mohammed, secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Selim Khan delivered the welcome address.
Hasnat Mohammad Solaiman, chairman of the Horticulture Department at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, presented the keynote paper.
The keynote paper was discussed by MA Rahim, dean and divisional head of the Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture and Agricultural Sciences at Daffodil International University, and Muhammad Rashid Ahmed, former director (Research) of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute.
The seminar highlighted the current status of the country’s fruit sector, increasing production, multipurpose use of fruits, nutritional security, reduction of post-harvest losses, modern preservation technologies, development of the processing industry, and the prospects of establishing Bangladeshi fruits in international markets.
Speakers said fruit cultivation has played an important role in agricultural diversification, ensuring nutritious food, and increasing farmers’ incomes.
They emphasised the need to expand fruit-based agricultural systems to address challenges posed by climate change.
In his speech, the minister said the country has made significant progress in fruit production.
He said production of mangoes, jackfruits, guavas, litchis, pineapples, and grapes has increased considerably, while demand for Bangladeshi fruits is also growing in international markets.
He said ensuring safe and high-quality fruit production, strengthening modern preservation systems, expanding the processing industry, and increasing exports are among the government’s priorities.
The minister also said fruits not only help meet people’s nutritional needs but also contribute significantly to the economic development of farmers.
He stressed the need to increase the use of modern technologies to prevent fruit wastage and ensure long-term preservation. At the same time, he encouraged every family to plant fruit trees and consume local fruits regularly.
Farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, research institutions, and representatives of government and private organizations from different parts of the country are participating in the fair.
Seasonal and indigenous fruits, fruit-based processed products, advanced agricultural technologies, innovative initiatives, and information on fruit cultivation and preservation are being showcased at the fair.
The National Fruit Fair 2026 will continue until Saturday (20 June).
The fair will remain open to visitors every day from morning until evening, allowing visitors to learn about the diversity, nutritional value, modern production methods, and preservation technologies of local fruits.
