A state-of-the-art Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) plant was inaugurated in Dhaka’s Gabtoli on Monday, marking a step towards expanding Bangladesh’s presence in the global fruit export market through chemical-free processing.
The facility, set up by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), is designed to provide internationally compliant quarantine treatment for export-oriented fruits at a single location.
Inaugurating the plant, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said the facility would function as a “one-stop service” for exporters, allowing them to complete quarantine procedures on-site before transporting consignments directly to the airport.
“This will eliminate the need for separate visits to quarantine offices,” he said.
Modern technology and export standards
The plant has been constructed at a cost of Tk 35 crore. Project official Mahbub A Alam said it has the capacity to process around 12 tonnes of mangoes per day.
The VHT system uses controlled heat and humidity to eliminate fruit fly eggs, larvae and other quarantine pests without the use of chemicals. Officials said this ensures compliance with strict phytosanitary requirements in high-value markets such as Japan, China, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, while preserving taste, colour and nutritional value.
Beyond mangoes, the technology can also be used for a range of fruits and vegetables, including oranges, malta, lemons, litchis, guavas and dragon fruit. The process also involves washing and drying, which improves shelf life and appearance.
Bridging the export gap
Bangladesh produces between 25 and 27 lakh tonnes of mangoes annually, making it one of the world’s largest producers. However, exports remain limited, with the highest recorded shipment amounting to only around 3,100 tonnes.
The minister said the government is working to address logistical constraints at airports to support export growth.
“Due to inadequate storage facilities at the airport, products are often damaged by rain or extreme heat. We have taken initiatives to build temperature-controlled sheds to resolve this issue,” he said.
Future expansion plans
The Gabtoli plant is the first to become operational under a phased plan recommended by the Planning Commission. If successful, similar facilities will be established across the country, particularly in major fruit-producing regions.
The minister also noted that a shipment of Bangladeshi jackfruit is set to be exported to China, reflecting a growing shift towards high-quality, chemical-free agricultural production aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s export potential.
