Chapainawabganj farmers smile as mango prices go up

Mangoes are selling at a market in Chapainawabganj

Unlike last year, farmers in the district, known as the country’s ‘Mango Capital’, are getting high prices for their mangoes this time.

The farmers said they are happy with the high volume of sales as well as prices of mangoes.

Apart from the biggest market in Kansat, mangoes are selling at large numbers in markets of Puratan Bazar, Bholahat and other areas of the district.
 
Prices ranged from Tk 1800 to 3500 for each maund (about 40 kg) of Khirshapati, Bombai Khirsha, Lengra and Lakhna mangoes, whereas last year the sales were much lower at Tk 700– 1200 per maund. 

According to farmers, the sales have been increasing after Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated on June 5. 

The market is currently dominated by Khirshapati and Lengra breeds as Fazli mangoes have just started to enter. 

Traders say the demand for Chapainawabganj’s mangoes has always been high due to their delicious taste. Wholesalers are flocking to local markets every day to get their mango supplies.
 
Sakir Hossaim, a mango seller of Kansat, said, “For the same amount of yield, the rate is Tk 2000-3000 whereas last year we struggled to get past Tk 1200.” 

Another farmer of Sadar upazila, Abdur Rakib, said it will be beneficial for them if the current rate prevails.
 
Masudul Haque Nikhil, a seller from Puratan Bazar, said each maund of Khirshapati is getting sold at Tk 3300-3600 while Lengra at Tk 2400-2600 and Bombai Khirsha at Tk 1800-2000. 

Assistant Director of the local office of the Department of Agricultural Extension Manzurul Huda thinks farmers will be more interested in farming mangoes next year following the high prices.

“This year mango has been cultivated across 31,820 hectares of land in the district,” he added.