A three-day National Fruit Fair has begun in Dhaka, aiming to boost public interest in local fruits and curb dependence on imported ones.
Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasized the value of homegrown produce, saying: “Our local fruits often surpass imported ones in both taste and nutrition. By choosing them more regularly, we not only support local farmers but also conserve valuable foreign currency.”
He made the comments on Thursday, following the inauguration of the three-day fair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) premises in Khamarbari, Dhaka.
Adviser Md Jahangir Alam said that the primary goal of this fair is to raise awareness about local fruits.
“Many people do not recognize local fruits and tend to consume imported ones like grapes or apples more frequently. Yet the quality and taste of our local fruits often surpass them,” he said.
After inaugurating the fair and visiting the stalls, he said that the government is working to ensure adequate, nutritious food for people.
“Just as a revolution has occurred in rice production, the government now wants to bring about a similar revolution in fruit cultivation,” he added.
He assured that local fruits will not go extinct as the government is preserving their germplasm.
This year’s theme for the National Fruit Fair is: “Eat more local fruits, let’s plant fruit trees.”
A total of 75 organizations are participating in the fair — 26 from the public sector and 49 from the private sector. The fair will run until Saturday. It remains open to the public from 10am to 8pm daily.
Visitors can learn about different fruit farming technologies and purchase various chemical-free fruits at the venue.
Fruits displayed at the fair include mango, jamun, jackfruit, lychee, dates, peanuts, lemon, guava, star fruit, custard apple, Burmese grape, tamarind, pineapple, wood apple, velvet apple, dragon fruit, snake fruit, malta, strawberry, cherry, fibrous fruit, and many more varieties.
Prices include Amrupali mango at Tk65 per kg, Himsagar at Tk80, Langra at Tk65, Barifol at Tk70, and dragon fruit at Tk120. Banana mango is being sold at Tk140 per kg and lychees at Tk800 per hundred. Various dry fruits, mushrooms, and homemade food items are also available.
Mosammat Samina Chowdhury, who came from Dhanmondi with her children, said: “I visit this fair every year. It’s a great initiative to introduce children to different kinds of fruits. But the prices are a bit high.”
Mohammad Amin said: “I come to this fair every year and check out all the stalls. There are many fruits here that I didn’t know before. I bring my family and purchase fruits from here.”
Md Morshed Alam (Mistu), a sub-assistant horticulture officer at the Department of Agricultural Extension, said: “Both commonly known and lesser-known fruits from across the country are on display here. We are sharing knowledge on how to grow fruits free of adulteration. The participating organizations are offering safe and 100% authentic fruits. Our aim is to encourage people to take an interest in fruits and inspire them to get into cultivation.”
He added that more than 70 fruit items and 200 to 250 varieties of fruits are being showcased at the fair.
Notably, this fruit fair is taking place in 431 upazilas across all 64 districts of the country, including the capital.
