Cultivation of Haaribhanga mango has gained popularity among the farmers of northern districts, including Gaibandha, in recent years as it is tasty and profitable compared to other crops.
Many farmers have already established Haaribhanga mango gardens on their property for commercial purposes.
Initially, the farmers of Mithapukur and Badarganj upazilas under Rangpur began growing this variety and later, farmers from other northern districts, including Gaibandha, followed suit.
Haaribhanga mangoes are round of shape and black of colour. Bablu Miah, a mango trader from Rangpur, said that though Haaribhanga cost more than any other type of mango of the local markets, customers purchase it without hesitation. Haaribhangas are sold for Tk120-150 per kg at the local markets of the districts, he added.
M. Saidur Rahman, a nursery owner of Madanerpara area under Fulchhari upazila of Gaibandha, said as the demand of Haaribhanga mango had increased significantly, the farmers were buying the saplings.
Many of the farmers have established orchards of the mango commercially to earn profit, he said, adding that the farmers would get its yield 2-3 years after plantation.
Jahidul Haque, a farmer from Badarganj upazila, said Haaribhanga mango had become a cash crop like paddy and jute, so he has made plans to establish an orchard of the mango on an acre of land this year.
Additional director of Department of Agriculture Extension, Rangpur region Sikandar Ali said the cultivation of haaribhanga Mango had been getting popular among farmers of the northern districts in recent years.
