Satkhira, a district in Bangladesh, has begun exporting its delectable mangoes to European markets. The succulent Himshagar and Govindabhog mango varieties from Satkhira are now making their way to England, Sweden, and Italy. This trend extends to other mango varieties like Langra and Amrapali as well.

According to the Satkhira Department of Agricultural Extension, the target for mango exports from Satkhira during the current season was set at 300 metric tons. To achieve this goal, training was provided to 300 farmers in Satkhira Sadar, Kaliganj, and Debhata upazilas to enhance the quality of mangoes suitable for export.

However, challenges have arisen due to lower mango yields in Satkhira, caused by the impact of cyclone Remal resulting in fruit drop and smaller fruit sizes. As a result, achieving the mango export target has become uncertain this season.

The Department of Agricultural Extension reports that so far, 50 metric tons of mangoes have been exported from Satkhira during this season. Mr. Saiful Islam, Deputy Director of the District Department of Agricultural Extension, explains that despite the reduced mango yield, efforts to meet the export quality standards have been unsuccessful. Many mango trees have been affected by Remal, resulting in blemishes on the fruit. Additionally, the mangoes are smaller in size this year, making it challenging to achieve the export target.

In Dhaka, Tashin Enterprise, a mango exporter, acknowledges the strong demand for Satkhira’s Himshagar mangoes in European markets. However, due to the lower yield this year, collecting export-worthy mangoes has proven difficult. Nevertheless, efforts persist.

Local mango grower Rafiqul Islam, who cultivates mangoes on 25 bighas of land in the Bakal area of Satkhira, shares his experience. Despite having mango orchards, this year’s mangoes have not met the usual quality standards. Consequently, he has managed to send only four metric tons of Govindabhog and two metric tons of Himshagar mangoes abroad. Fortunately, prices have remained favorable. Last season, mangoes were sold at Tk 2,400-2,500 per maund (approximately 37 kg), but this year, prices have increased to Tk 3,200-3,400 per maund