The much-awaited Haribhanga mango, Rangpur’s Geographical Indication (GI)-recognized signature fruit, is set to officially enter markets on June 20, raising hopes of a vibrant harvest season and sales worth around Tk 200 crore. However, growers remain concerned that persistent rain and storms earlier this year may reduce overall production.
Renowned for its rich sweetness, succulent flesh, and virtually fiber-free texture, Haribhanga has become one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated mango varieties. Demand for the fruit continues to grow both at home and abroad, with orchard owners already receiving advance export orders worth more than Tk 25 crore from buyers in several countries, particularly in the Middle East.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Haribhanga mangoes have been cultivated on approximately 2,500 hectares of land across Rangpur this year, an increase of 200 hectares from last season. Despite unfavorable weather conditions during the Bengali month of Baishakh, officials expect production to reach nearly 30,000 metric tons. Farmers hope to sell mangoes worth around Tk 200 crore during the season.
Agricultural authorities have fixed June 20 as the official marketing date to ensure that the fruit reaches consumers at optimum ripeness. Officials noted that while some weather-related damage has occurred, the size and quality of this year’s crop appear promising. Growers say they remain optimistic about making a profit if fair market prices are maintained.
The story of Haribhanga mango traces back to the red-soil belt of Badarganj Upazila, where farmer Salam first cultivated the variety. Its distinctive taste and fiberless flesh quickly won consumer approval, turning a local fruit into one of Bangladesh’s most recognizable agricultural brands. Today, extensive orchards stretch across Badarganj, Mithapukur, and surrounding areas, and the fruit has become an important source of income for thousands of rural families.
Local farmers say that only a decade ago many households in these areas struggled with poverty. Because of the region’s red soil, rice could be cultivated only once a year, leaving land largely unproductive for much of the year. The expansion of Haribhanga cultivation has transformed the local economy, creating employment opportunities and improving living standards. Even landless families have benefited by planting mango trees around their homes and selling the fruit during harvest season.
Despite strong market prospects, farmers remain concerned about the impact of continuous rainfall and storms during the flowering and fruit-setting period. Many growers report fruit drop and weather-related damage and fear that yields may fall below expectations. Agricultural officials, however, maintain that the losses are within normal limits and are unlikely to significantly affect overall production.
A major concern among growers is the lack of modern storage and preservation facilities. Farmers say they are often forced to sell their harvest immediately after picking, when prices are at their lowest. They argue that cold-storage facilities would help reduce post-harvest losses, stabilize prices, and allow producers to secure better returns.
The season has already begun on a positive note, with traders securing large quantities of fruit through advance agreements. Several orchard owners reported receiving substantial bookings from wholesalers in Dhaka and other major cities. One large grower said confirmed orders have already reached around Tk 20 crore, while total sales commitments across participating orchards could surpass Tk 50 crore before the peak harvest period. Export demand is also expected to remain strong, particularly in Middle Eastern markets where Haribhanga mangoes have gained increasing popularity.
Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Ruhul Amin said local authorities have taken several measures to facilitate smooth marketing and distribution of the fruit. These include allowing wholesale buyers to purchase directly from orchards, establishing temporary banking booths for financial transactions, and strengthening security arrangements during the harvest season. Courier and logistics companies are also preparing dedicated transportation services to deliver fresh mangoes directly from orchards to consumers across the country.
Assistant Deputy Director of the DAE Habibur Rahman acknowledged that excessive rainfall had caused some damage but emphasized that the situation remains within normal seasonal limits. Officials believe that Haribhanga mangoes will continue to strengthen Rangpur’s reputation both at home and abroad while contributing significantly to the local economy. For thousands of farming families, the upcoming harvest represents not only a major business opportunity but also a symbol of how a single fruit transformed the fortunes of an entire region.
