Haribhanga mango blessing for Rangpur farmers

RANGPUR, Jun 29: A superlative variety of mango, locally known as Haribhanga has become much popular in Rangpur district.

Cultivation of this juicy and fleshy mango has now turned into a blessing, a way to change socio-economic condition of thousands of farmers of the region. This astounding variety of mango is now dominating the markets of Mithapukur, Badarganj, Taraganj, Pirganj and some other upazilas in Rangpur district.

Several thousands of people of the region have changed their economic condition by growing it on their lands. Witnessing their success a good number of people at different upazilas in the district are showing their interest in its cultivation.

According to DAE sources the cultivation of Haribhanga is increasing in the district due to the rising demand for this variety. This year Haribhanga mango was cultivated on 18,500 hectares of lands in the district which is 2,500 hectares higher than that of last year. Thousand of orchards have been set up in the region where the mango is grown abundantly.

Traders from Dhaka, Khulna, Chittagong, Sylhet and some other parts of country are thronging the local markets to purchase this tasty fruit from here.

Abdus Salam Sarker, a successful mango grower at Sardarpara village in Khoragas union under Mithapukur upazila said he started mango cultivation on experimental basic after his retirement from government service more than 12 years ago and he earned profit. Subsequently he started mango farming on commercial basis and planted this variety on nine acres of lands in 2007.

He earned Tk 0.35 million (Tk 3.5 lakh) by selling his garden in 2010. This year he sold the gardens at Tk 1.1 million which was beyond his imagination. Now he has become financially solvent. Many other people are being encouraged to follow in his food step.

Anisar Rahman (50), another mango grower at Santospur village  under Mithapukur upazila told The Financial Express that he cultivated the variety of mango on two acres of land. He has more than 260 mango trees in his orchards. Last year he earned over Tk 0.25 million by selling his garden this year he earned about Tk 0.3 million.  According to DAE and mango growers the soil of Mithapukur, Badarganj, Taraganj and some other upazilas in the district is suitable for Haribhanga cultivation.     

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