May 20, 2024 | The Business Post |
In the Rajshahi region of Bangladesh, fruit-bagging technology has been widely adopted in mango orchards to protect the fruit from pests and ensure high-quality yields. This method, used for varieties like Khirshapat, Gopalbhog, and Langra, involves covering mangoes with bags, which keeps them fresh and spot-free. Abul Hossain, a farmer, spent Tk 1,24,800 to bag 32,000 mangoes, demonstrating the cost barrier for small farms. The region, particularly Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj, is a major mango producer with about 31 million trees over 34,500 hectares.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) highlights that substantial use of these bags can significantly reduce the need for harmful chemicals, opening doors for exporting high-quality mangoes. The technology also helps maintain the fruit's longevity by keeping it dry and at a controlled temperature, allowing farmers to market their produce as needed.
The Regional Horticulture Research Center (RHRC) in Chapainawabganj introduced this technology about seven to eight years ago, showing high recovery rates of marketable fruits. Different bagging materials, including imported and local options, have been tested for effectiveness. The initiative has garnered positive responses, reducing pest and disease damage while improving fruit quality. With increasing demand for fruit bags, this technology promises to boost export potential and provide farmers with higher market prices.