RANGPUR, July 08: A good yield of Haribhanga mango has failed to bring smile to the growers of the district owing to its low price in markets.
Sources said, the Haribhanga mango cultivators of the district made vigorous efforts this season with the hope to earn handsome profit from the sale of the popular fruit but its Plummeting price has disheartened them, discouraging them to grow it next season
Visiting different areas of the region this FE correspondent found Haribhanga mango growers busy harvesting their produce. But they were seen much disappointed owing to falling price of their produce. Many growers who were yet to sell the fruit also expressed their apprehension about huge loss if the present situation continues.
A number of growers alleged that the production cost of mango cultivation has increased this season as farmers had to use medicines frequently to get rid of diseases.
Presently, per maund of Haribhanga mango is being sold between Tk 800 to Tk 1,100 depending on quality and size while it was Tk 1,400 to Tk 1,700 per maund last year.
Expressing disappointment Mofakkharul Islam, a mango grower of Podaganj area in Mithapukur upazila told The Financial Express that he has been cultivating Harbhanga mango on one bigha of his land for the last 5 years. During previous years he could earn good profit from the sale of his produce but this year he has become disheartened due to its lower market price. He may change the variety of mango next season, he added.
In this situation the farmers urged the government to take necessary measures so that they can get fair price of their produce. They also laid emphasis on adequate preservation facilities for their produces so that they can get fair prices.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Rangpur official sources said around 1,600 hectares of lands have been brought under Haribhanga mango cultivation in 8 upazilas of the district this year. Rangpur is famous for the farming of Haribhanga mango which is grown abundantly across the region, sources also said.
The soil of many areas including Mithapukur, Badarganj, Taraganj upazilas is suitable for Haribhanga mango farming, sources added.
