The agriculture-rich Rajshahi region is steadily emerging as a promising hub for agro-processing industry, driven by its abundant production of mangoes, tomatoes, potatoes, and aromatic rice, along with its favourable geographical location.
Officials and industry insiders say that establishing processing facilities for mango-based products, tomato paste, potato chips, and poultry feed could significantly boost the local economy, create employment opportunities, and boost export earnings.
Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj produce large volumes of mangoes each year, presenting strong potential for processing into pulp, juice, jam, jelly, and mango bars. Initiatives are also underway to establish a Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) plant to support mango exports.
Experts note that processing surplus tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables can help reduce post-harvest losses. These can be converted into value-added products such as tomato paste, sauce, ketchup, chips, and frozen French fries.
The region’s high-quality aromatic rice—particularly from Naogaon and Rajshahi—also offers opportunities for value addition through modern milling, branding, and packaging. With the easy availability of maize and other grains, entrepreneurs see strong potential for establishing poultry and fish feed mills in the region.
Industrialist Liakat Ali revealed plans to develop a dedicated agro-processing hub in Rajshahi, which could attract significant investment and generate employment. He added that exporting processed agricultural goods—especially mango and vegetable-based products—could earn substantial foreign currency.
Stakeholders emphasised that improved infrastructure, uninterrupted electricity and gas supply, and government support—particularly through low-interest loans—will be critical in transforming Rajshahi into a major agro-industrial centre.
The region already produces large quantities of crops. Tomato yields range from 60 to 70 maunds per bigha, generating Tk 60,000 to Tk 70,000 per bigha—considerably higher than many other crops. Annual tomato trade in the region is estimated at Tk 400–500 crore.
Betel leaf trading contributes around Tk 1,561 crore annually, while mango sales in Rajshahi reached approximately Tk 100 crore in the 2024–25 season.
Experts say the development of agro-processing industries would directly benefit farmers by ensuring fair prices while also creating employment opportunities. They recommend enhanced government incentives to boost production and expand export-oriented processing.
Stakeholders are calling for the establishment of a dedicated agro-based economic zone in Rajshahi, along with district-wise budget allocations, tax holidays, and low-interest financing.
Although the region produces surplus carp-type fish, there is no dedicated fish processing system. Industry stakeholders suggest establishing a fish processing zone and incorporating export-oriented measures into the national budget.
They also recommend increasing agricultural subsidies to further strengthen the sector.
To improve connectivity and reduce transportation costs, stakeholders propose dredging the Padma and other rivers to revive waterways, as well as upgrading the railway line between Rajshahi and Abdulpur to dual gauge.
For boosting exports, they call for the introduction of cargo flights from Rajshahi Airport and its upgrade to international standards with full immigration and customs facilities.
Reviving the traditional Rajshahi silk industry is also highlighted as a priority, with proposals to support marginal farmers and women through interest-free loans for mulberry cultivation.
To accelerate industrialisation, stakeholders have proposed a Tk 1,000 crore zero-interest fund, along with VAT and tax exemptions in the upcoming national budget.
