For the first time ever, Bangladesh is set to export its famed mangoes to China, marking a major breakthrough in the country's agricultural trade. The inaugural consignment of around 50 metric tons will leave for China on May 28, Agriculture Secretary Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian announced on Wednesday.
He made the remarks at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road in the capital, where he also outlined a sweeping long-term plan to modernize and future-proof Bangladesh's agricultural sector.
Dr. Mian said the government is formulating a visionary roadmap to ensure sustainable and tech-driven agricultural production through 2050. The blueprint, which is being finalized under the interim administration, aims to guarantee safe and nutritious food for all citizens in the decades ahead.
"As part of our broader efforts, all agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture will soon be integrated through a centralized Management Information System (MIS)," he said.
In a major digital leap, the government is rolling out a mobile app named Khamari, which will create a nationwide agricultural database by mapping every land mouza. The app will offer comprehensive data and services covering fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, irrigation, crop selection, seasonal planning, weather forecasting, and disease management.
"From deciding which crops to plant to knowing the optimal time to harvest, farmers will have all the information they need-right at their fingertips," Dr. Mian added.
The secretary also emphasized the government's commitment to nurturing a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs, especially among educated women and youth. In tandem, efforts are underway to bolster the capacity of private sector stakeholders engaged in agribusiness.
The mango export milestone follows the recent visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to China, where agricultural trade featured prominently in bilateral discussions. The Agriculture Ministry has since accelerated initiatives to tap into China's massive fruit market.
"With Bangladesh producing over 2.7 million metric tons of mangoes annually, and global demand on the rise, we see enormous potential in mango exports," said the secretary.
