A once-abandoned 30-acre stretch of hilly land in Rangamati has been transformed into a modern mango orchard by two young entrepreneurs who now dream of taking their premium mangoes to international markets. However, they say government support, easier access to credit, and export-oriented infrastructure are essential to turning that dream into reality.
Four years ago, entrepreneurs Chiku Chakma and Palash Chakma established the orchard in the remote Marichhabil area of Balukhali Union. What began as an effort to utilize uncultivated and abandoned hill land has since become a model for agricultural development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The orchard is home to around 35 varieties of premium mangoes from Bangladesh and abroad. Among its most notable attractions is the world-famous Miyazaki Mango, also known locally as ‘San Egg’. Other varieties include Black Stone, Kiuzai, Red Ivory, Chakapater Raja, Simuang, Bari-13 Austin, Pujachuria, Puja Arunima, Ambila, Paltu, Triweep, Test, Palki, Palawan, Kensington Pride, Valencia Pride, Nam Doc Mai, Brunei King, Bari-4, and Raw-Sweet Baromasi, among others.
The entrepreneurs have adopted modern fruit-bagging technology, which significantly reduces pesticide use while protecting fruits from insects and adverse weather. The technique also improves the color, size, and overall quality of the mangoes, helping ensure production standards suitable for export markets.
“We wanted to prove that high-quality mangoes can be produced by utilizing uncultivated hill land,” said Chiku Chakma. “Our goal is now to make Rangamati mangoes known in international markets. With government support, training, and export opportunities, we can expand production on a much larger scale.”
Agriculture Officer of Rangamati Sadar Debashish Dewan said the initiative represents more than just a successful orchard.
“This project has opened up new possibilities for agriculture in the hill region,” he said. “The Department of Agricultural Extension is providing regular technical advice and field-level support. The orchard demonstrates that international-quality fruits can be produced on hilly land through modern technology, proper care, and planned management.”
Dewan noted that large areas of uncultivated hill land remain available in Rangamati. Bringing these lands under fruit cultivation could boost farmers’ incomes, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the local economy.
“If government incentives, training programs, preservation facilities, and export support are ensured, mangoes from the hill region can establish a strong position in international markets,” he added.
Saturday, the orchard’s vibrant collection of red, purple, golden, and green mangoes attracts visitors from across the region. Farmers, entrepreneurs, and agricultural professionals visit regularly to learn about modern cultivation techniques and explore the orchard’s success.
Agriculture experts believe that with targeted investment, government backing, and export-oriented planning, the vast uncultivated hill lands of Rangamati could be transformed into productive fruit-growing areas. Such a development would generate employment, increase export earnings, and make a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s agricultural economy.