The mango export season has begun in Chapainawabganj, with the district’s first consignment of the year shipped to Italy, marking another step in expanding the international market for Bangladesh’s most celebrated fruit.
A two-tonne shipment of Khirsapat and Banana mangoes was officially dispatched last Friday, launching this season’s export activities from the district, widely known as the country’s mango capital.
The consignment was supplied by mango grower Shamim Reza Sohag from Chatra village in Chakkirti Union under Shibganj Upazila. He said the shipment included Khirsapat, Gopalbhog and Banana varieties grown in his orchard.
Sohag said he had been producing export-quality mangoes in line with international standards since 2022. He exported 12 tonnes of mangoes for the first time in 2023 and increased exports to 35 tonnes to various countries in 2025.
“This season has started with the export of two tonnes of mangoes to Italy,” he said.
Although his orchard produces around 50 tonnes of export-quality mangoes annually, he said limited access to foreign markets prevents him from exporting the entire volume, reducing potential earnings.
Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Chapainawabganj Dr Yasin Ali said the agriculture department was working to expand overseas markets through the production of safe and high-quality mangoes.
“The demand for Chapainawabganj mangoes is steadily increasing in Europe and other international markets, which is encouraging for local growers,” he said.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, mango cultivation has been carried out on 37,487 hectares of land across the district this year. Production is expected to reach approximately 458,912 tonnes during the current season.
Mango cultivation remains one of the main drivers of the local economy, with Chapainawabganj producing hundreds of varieties that enjoy strong demand both at home and abroad.
