EPB chief Hasan Arif in Khagrachhari : Extortion, cold storage crisis hinder export potential of CHT agri products
Manikchhari (Khagrachhari) Correspondent
Highlighting the huge potential of agricultural products grown in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) including mangoes, bananas, jackfruits, pineapples, papayas, ginger, and turmeric—Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Mohammad Hasan Arif called for good agricultural practices (GAP), curbing extortion, and establishing cold storage facilities to boost exports.
He made the observations while speaking as the chief guest at a day-long training workshop titled "Skill Enhancement and Export Capacity Development of Entrepreneurs and Farmers in Exporting Agricultural Products," held at the Manikchhari Upazila Parishad Auditorium in Khagrachhari on Saturday.
The workshop was organized by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in collaboration with the Manikchhari Upazila Administration and the Bangladesh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association, Chattogram.
"To render CHT agricultural produce export-ready, there is no alternative to quality cultivation and good agricultural practices," Hasan Arif stated, adding that EPB is coordinating with the government to streamline marketing networks.
Addressing transport overheads, the EPB Chief stressed that no unauthorized payments or extortion beyond government-notified tolls would be tolerated during the movement of produce from the hills to the plains. Extortion inflates production and transport costs, putting marginal farmers at risk of losing their capital, he warned.
Chaired by Manikchhari UNO Tahmina Afroz Bhuiyan, the event featured welcome remarks from Bangladesh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association President Md. Kamal Uddin. EPB Director Kumkum Sultana conducted sessions covering export documentation, international market analysis, and buyer sourcing strategies.
Agriculture extension officers, research scientists, and local growers also addressed the session.
Participating farmers and orchard owners voiced concern over the lack of cold storage facilities in the hill tracts, noting that seasonal gluts of perishable fruits force growers into distress sales.
