China keen to source 1.2 lakh tonnes mangoes from Chapainawabganj

In a significant development for Bangladesh’s mango growers, China has expressed interest in sourcing 1,20,000 tonnes of mangoes from Chapainawabganj, the renowned mango capital of the country. 

The announcement came after a visit by Chinese importer Shu Wei to several mango orchards in Shibganj on Saturday (April 12) afternoon.  

During his visit, Shu Wei admired the well-organised mango orchards in Shibganj and later toured the mango grading, sorting, and cleaning centre located at Academy More in the Shibganj municipality. 

His visit highlighted China’s growing interest in sourcing high-quality mangoes directly from Bangladesh.  

Ahsan Habib, a mango farmer from Shibganj municipality, shared his excitement about the potential deal. 

"A Chinese importer visited my orchard in the afternoon. He expressed interest in buying mangoes directly from the orchard," Habib said. "If we can export mangoes directly to China without intermediaries, it will greatly benefit us as farmers."  

The prospect of exporting mangoes to China has sparked optimism among local stakeholders. Ismail Khan Shamim, General Secretary of the Shibganj Mango Producers Cooperative Society Limited, emphasised the economic significance of the deal.  

"Chinese importers have visited several mango orchards in Chapainawabganj and expressed their desire to buy mangoes directly from us," Shamim said. 

"If this export initiative succeeds, it will significantly boost the local economy and uplift the livelihoods of mango farmers in the district."  

Local agricultural officials are also optimistic about the opportunity. 

Nayan Mia, Agriculture Officer of Shibganj Upazila, confirmed the importer’s interest and outlined the scale of the proposed purchase.  

"A Chinese importer visited some mango orchards in our upazila in the afternoon. They want to buy 120,000 metric tons of mangoes from Chapainawabganj," Nayan said.

"We are hopeful that this deal will materialise and bring prosperity to our farmers and the region."  

The potential agreement with China represents a landmark opportunity for Chapainawabganj, which is famed for its premium mango varieties like Lyangra, Fazli, and Gopalbhog. 

If successful, this deal could position Bangladesh as a key player in the global mango market while ensuring fair prices and direct benefits for local farmers.  

As discussions progress, all eyes remain on Chapainawabganj, where hopes are high for a fruitful partnership with China that could transform the region’s agricultural landscape.