A decade ago, Bangladesh cultivated 56 varieties of fruits. Thanks to research advancements and expansion efforts, that number has now grown to 72, according to Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. He made the remarks while inaugurating the National Fruit Fair 2025 today (19 June).
The three-day fair, held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) premises in Khamarbari, Dhaka, aims to promote local fruit cultivation and consumption. In his speech, the adviser emphasized the importance of safe harvesting and reducing post-harvest losses, pointing out that roughly one-third of harvested fruits are wasted.
This year’s fair is themed: “Let’s eat more local fruits, let’s plant fruit trees,” as set by the Ministry of Agriculture.
During a visit to the fairgrounds yesterday, various government and private stalls were seen exhibiting a wide array of fruits such as mangoes, jackfruits, lychees, blackberries, and dragon fruits. In addition to fresh produce, stalls also offered pickles, juices, laddus, and other fruit-based products.
The fair provides a platform for visitors to purchase chemical-free local fruits and learn about modern fruit cultivation techniques. It is open to the public daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.
A total of 75 organisations are participating—26 from the public sector and 49 from the private sector. Alongside the event in Dhaka, the fair is also being held simultaneously across 431 upazilas in all 64 districts of the country.
On the opening day, the agriculture adviser cited research showing that fruits like bananas, papayas, guavas, lychees, and mangoes experience 25–35% post-harvest losses. He stressed the need for awareness among all stakeholders—farmers, transporters, processors, and consumers—regarding proper post-harvest handling and processing to minimize waste.
Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir added that the government is committed to ensuring self-sufficiency in nutritious food. “Just as we achieved a revolution in rice production, we aim for a similar transformation in fruit production. Indigenous fruits will not be lost; their germplasm is being preserved.”
Later, at a seminar held at the KIB auditorium, Agriculture Secretary Md Emdad Ullah Mian noted that the ministry launched the fair to promote native fruits, showcasing rare, endangered, newly introduced, and promising varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Concepts
What is post-harvest loss and why is it critical in 2025?
Post-harvest loss refers to the fruits that go to waste after harvesting due to poor handling, storage, and transportation. According to the agriculture adviser, fruits like bananas, papayas, and lychees suffer 25–35% loss. In 2025, this remains a major challenge, with national efforts now focusing on training, infrastructure, and awareness to reduce waste and increase availability.
What is the National Fruit Fair and what makes it relevant this year?
The National Fruit Fair 2025 celebrates Bangladesh’s growth in fruit cultivation—from 56 to 72 varieties. It serves as a platform to promote local fruits, display innovative cultivation techniques, and raise awareness about nutrition and sustainable farming, especially relevant as food security becomes a top policy concern in 2025.
How has Bangladesh increased its fruit diversity in the last decade?
Through agricultural research and expansion initiatives, Bangladesh now produces 72 fruit varieties, up from 56 a decade ago. This development reflects the government’s broader goal of agricultural modernization and resilience in 2025, with a focus on local species and indigenous fruit conservation.
What is the theme of the National Fruit Fair 2025 and why does it matter?
The theme—“Let’s eat more local fruits, let’s plant fruit trees”—promotes self-reliance, better nutrition, and environmental sustainability. In 2025, the agriculture ministry is pushing for greater community involvement in planting and consuming native fruits to combat rising health issues and import dependence.
What role does the government play in promoting safe fruit harvesting?
The agriculture adviser emphasized the need to reduce fruit waste and ensure safer harvesting practices. In 2025, the government is focusing on training farmers, improving post-harvest storage, and developing processing systems to minimize loss and boost the quality of fruits available to consumers.
How is the fair helping in rural outreach and awareness?
Besides Dhaka, the fruit fair is being held in 431 upazilas across all 64 districts—a major step in decentralizing agricultural promotion. In 2025, this approach helps bring technologies, training, and market access closer to rural farmers, ensuring inclusivity and direct engagement.
What kinds of fruits and products are showcased at the fair?
Fruits like mangoes, jackfruits, lychees, blackberries, and dragon fruit are featured, along with items like pickles, juices, and sweets. This reflects a 2025 trend toward promoting value-added products that increase shelf life and reduce waste, while supporting small-scale food entrepreneurs.
What is germplasm preservation and how is Bangladesh addressing it?
Germplasm refers to the genetic material of fruit species. The agriculture adviser assured that the government is preserving indigenous fruit germplasm. In 2025, this is crucial to protect biodiversity, combat climate change effects, and ensure future food security from native varieties.
Why is chemical-free fruit production being promoted in 2025?
Stalls at the fair promote chemical-free, locally grown fruits, which are safer for health and the environment. This aligns with the government’s 2025 goals to minimize harmful agrochemicals in the food chain and respond to rising consumer demand for organic and naturally grown produce.
What is the link between fruit production and food self-sufficiency in 2025?
The agriculture adviser noted that just as Bangladesh achieved success in rice, the country now aims for a similar revolution in fruit production. In 2025, this strategy is part of national food policy to improve nutrition, reduce import reliance, and support sustainable livelihoods for fruit farmers.
