The success of Bangladesh's agriculture is no longer a story but a reality: the country is a living basket of fruit. Its unprecedented achievements in the 21st century have consolidated its standing in the world, and greater cropping intensity has multiplied farm output several times over. Agricultural scientists, extension workers and a range of agricultural development institutions continue to contribute to this.

More than 160 kinds of fruit and vegetables are now produced in the country year-round. Of these, around 70 types of fruit contribute to nutrition security as well as to income and processing. Yet fruit exports have not grown as hoped. Limits in the cold chain and a shortage of infrastructure have kept the country from building the position it wants in sea-borne exports. In production, however, Bangladesh ranks seventh in mango, second in jackfruit, eighth in guava, 14th in papaya and sixth in fruit overall in the world.

The production season for most fruit runs from May to September. But when huge volumes reach the market at once at the height of the season, a large share of the harvest rots for lack of storage and processing, a financial loss of more than Tk 8,000 crore.

Bangladesh lags far behind in exports because of limits on moving fresh produce under cold-chain logistics, high air cargo costs, a shortage of suitable technology, limited use of good agricultural practices, and weak preparation on quality assurance and compliance. Even so, fruit is now exported to more than 40 countries, and demand for halal and snack-type fruit products is rising, particularly in the Middle East.

Processing needs investment in packhouses and in specialised cold stores suited to long-term storage. It is also urgent to set up accredited laboratories to test product quality, strengthen research laboratories, give special facilities for importing machinery for factories, cut cargo costs, offer documentation through one-stop service centres and modernise management overall.

In 2023 fresh fruit exports stood at 74.9 tonnes, against 239.19 tonnes in 2014. The market for processed and frozen fruit was worth US$9.11 million in 2025, and the sector is expected to grow by 14.74 per cent a year until 2030.

Dehydrated products are among the main processed fruit goods. Demand for dried mango, banana, papaya, pineapple, jackfruit and other fruit is rising by the day. These products are currently imported from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and the Philippines. If they could be made at home, imports would fall and there would be a large export opportunity as well.

Europe now accounts for 29.5 per cent of the dried-product market, Asia-Pacific 35.5 per cent, North America 20 per cent and other countries 15 per cent. One survey found a 27.67 per cent increase in buyers on the Alibaba platform, raising hopes of an expanding market for dried products. Demand for dried mango alone has grown markedly in the UK and Europe. In 2024 Burkina Faso exported 4,000 tonnes of dried mango to Europe, and Ghana 2,500 tonnes of dried pineapple and mango.

The processing industry can grow if markets can be created. Domestic demand for dried products is already more than Tk 2,000 crore. To open marketing in more countries, fruit-specific expert teams, proper planning and coordination among the institutions involved are essential.

Research institutes, universities and private companies are playing an important role in developing processing technology in the country. The Postharvest Technology Division of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) has developed processing technologies for 24 kinds of fruit. These are being used on a limited scale to train entrepreneurs through various agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Among processed products, vacuum-fried chips of jackfruit, banana and potato have become popular, and many entrepreneurs are producing and marketing them successfully. Participation by highly educated women and men in the sector is also rising. As export goods, banana and jackfruit chips are in strong demand in Malaysia and Singapore. In 2024 Europe imported 3,000 tonnes of banana chips from Ecuador.

Bangladesh's position in exporting dried products remains negligible: only US$594 thousand worth were exported in 2024, while US$6.27 million worth were imported.

The global agro-processing industry is worth about US$4 trillion. In Asia, Thailand and Vietnam are far ahead. Vietnam earns US$62 billion by modernising its agricultural ecosystem, while Bangladesh's exports are less than 2 per cent of that. The agro-processing industry makes an important contribution to that country's economy.

Overall, the export earnings of Bangladesh's agro-industry are only US$989 million. The Middle East, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Malaysia are currently its key markets. Companies including Pran, Bombay Sweets and Square Food and Beverage enjoy duty-free market access in 52 countries.

There are, however, several challenges to entering this vast market. Only 12 per cent of entrepreneurs in the country follow ISO and HACCP standards, which is far too few. Small entrepreneurs urgently need easy-term loans, low-interest machinery, packaging materials, the chemicals they require and support for building infrastructure. Registration and testing facilities also need to be made easily accessible.

To attract foreign investment, raise product quality and expand markets, the country needs to develop cold-chain logistics and the infrastructure of processing plants, increase cargo capacity, build cool chambers, expand river- and seaport-based terminals, set up warehouses and packhouses, extend quarantine facilities, raise investment, build a pool of experts, cut utility bills, modernise the tax structure and ensure training and business incubation for entrepreneurs.

Good agricultural practices implemented through agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture have widened the path for mango, jackfruit, pineapple, banana and other fruit into international markets. At the same time, hygienic management, safe food and greater public awareness of food law are essential.

If the cost of product certification and registration for entrepreneurs at all levels can be reduced and the process simplified, local cottage, micro, small and medium entrepreneurs will be encouraged. Improved fruit varieties and quality raw material are vital for processed food. To ensure fruit production all year round, producing improved seedlings and establishing variety-based orchards are indispensable.

If swift, effective steps are taken instead of slow decision-making, the economy can reach new heights. The food and nutrition security of the country's large population will be ensured, the processing industry will grow and there will be wide employment opportunities. Incomes will rise and the sector will play an important part in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The writer is a chief scientific officer and food technology researcher at the Postharvest Technology Division of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.