For long, Rajshahi is nationwide famous, especially for its tasty and
delicious fruit mango that attracts people from allover the country
every summer.
Every year, acreage, number of trees and mango production is mounting.
However, unfortunately, not a single mango-processing plant has been
established here since 42 years of country’s independence, which is
hindering expansion of mango market volume.
Officials of Department of Agriculture Extension said around 1,132
hectares of mango acreage, 3,27,197 trees and 7,538 metric tons yield
were enhanced in the last five years in the district.
Quoting the office records they said there were 6,79,684 trees that
yielded 1,02,950 metric tons of mango in 2007-08 harvesting season.
Per hectare yield was 13.1 tonnes.
Whereas, in the previous 2011-12 season, the growers harvested around
1,10,488 tonnes from 10,06,881 trees in 8,986 hectares of land and per
hectare yield was 12.29 tonnes.
Some varieties like Gopalbhog, Langra, Himsagar, Ranipasand,
Fazli and Aswina are very much tasty and mouthwatering among around 100 others.
Mango grows almost everywhere in the district but Paba, Charghat and
Bagha have long-lasting tradition of quality mango production.
Regarding the ongoing mango production Dr Alim Uddin, Senior
Scientific Officer of Regional Fruit Research Centre, said the current
year is on-year for mango production meaning more yield has come
compared to the previous season.
As the growers are reaping bulks of money from the mango farming, it
is encouraging many others towards farming mango resulting in
escalation of acreage.
He said target has been set to produce around 1.10 lakh tons this
year. “Although, we are yielding huge mango every year no significant
mango processing plants has been set up here as yet,” he said.
Various processed food-items particularly juice, soft drink, pickles,
jam and jelly can be manufactured through processing of mango. If it’s
possible, this sector can contribute a lot to the region’s economy as
the processed foods have enormous demands besides high market values.
(BSS, Rajshahi)
