Shamiran Biswas

Horticulture Crop refers to those crops that fall under the scope of horticulture or garden cultivation. These crops generally refer to the cultivation of fruits, vegetables (food), beautification, spices and medicinal crops. In common parlance, it is also called high-value crop. Horticulture crops are important not only in the agricultural sector, but also for food, health, environment and economy. If its cultivation increases, farmers' income will increase, nutritional deficiencies will be reduced and environmental balance will be maintained. As the demand for Bangladeshi fruits in the international market increases, the export potential has also increased significantly.

More than 10 million metric tons of fruits are produced in Bangladesh. Currently, fruits and vegetables worth about 100-150 crore taka are exported from Bangladesh. Mango, jackfruit, litchi, malta, papaya, pineapple, dragon fruit, strawberry, and many other fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices are being produced in the country and exported abroad. The quantity and range of fruits and vegetables exported by Bangladesh to the world market can be further increased. A large number of horticultural crops are produced in Bangladesh, of which mango is a notable one. Mango and jackfruit are mentioned innumerable times in literature. This is because mango or jackfruit has found a place in literature due to its high yield. Mango is widely produced in Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi, Satkhira, Meherpur, Sapahar, and Dinajpur. About 2.5-3 million metric tons of mango are produced annually. Mango is exported to various countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Jackfruit is known as the national fruit and is found in almost all districts. Jackfruit yields are good in Narsingdi, Tangail, Gazipur, Mymensingh, and Chittagong. 15-18 lakh metric tons of jackfruit are produced annually. In addition to being used locally as food, the demand for packaged jackfruit is increasing.
Banana is next in line after mango and jackfruit. Banana is widely cultivated in Narsingdi, Munshiganj, Bogra, Mymensingh, Jessore and Comilla. 12-15 lakh metric tons of bananas are produced annually. Bananas are exported to various countries in the Middle East including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar.
Litchi is one of the summer honey fruits. Litchi is mainly cultivated in Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Meherpur and Kushtia. 1.5-2 lakh metric tons of litchi are produced annually. Bangladeshi litchi is in high demand in Europe and the Middle East.

Another juicy fruit is orange and malta. It is produced more in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Moulvibazar, Sylhet and Chuadanga. 1.5-2 lakh metric tons of oranges and limes are produced annually. Although oranges and limes are export fruits, there is a demand for Bangladeshi fruits in Europe and the Middle East. In addition, there is a huge demand for numerous fruits including papaya, pineapple, watermelon, plum, etc. in the country and abroad.

Fruit export potential:

The export market of Bangladesh's fruits and vegetables is expanding rapidly. There are some possibilities, initiatives, quality improvement and maintaining international standards are essential to further advance this sector in the future. Exports will increase if production is increased in accordance with Global GAP and European Union standards. Focusing on organic and safe fruit production will make it easier to compete in the international market.

Development of processing and preservation technology: Along with fruits and vegetables, the demand for frozen and processed fruits is increasing (such as mango pulp, dry fruits, juice). Challenges and solutions: Lack of proper preservation and marketing, need to establish air-conditioned warehouses and cold storage. Lack of advanced cultivation technology, training of farmers and use of modern technology must be ensured. Advanced cold storage and packaging systems should be developed. Finding new markets and simplifying export policies. Demand for Bangladeshi fruits is increasing in Europe, America and Asian countries. Increasing government export support and logistics facilities will make exports easier. Financial incentives should be increased for exporters. Providing export subsidies and bank credit facilities will make farmers more enthusiastic about exporting. The government and the private sector are working together to increase the production of exportable fruits.

Vegetables: About 17 million metric tons of vegetables are produced in Bangladesh annually. Brinjal, tomato, cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, bean, sweet pumpkin, gourd, bitter gourd, cucumber, okra, etc. are the main vegetables. Bangladesh has made significant progress in vegetable production due to the use of improved varieties and cultivation methods.

The amount of vegetable exports from Bangladesh has decreased significantly in recent years. In the 2017-18 fiscal year, the amount of vegetable exports was $182 million, which has decreased to only $75 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year. On the other hand, export earnings of fruits and vegetables, including 2013-14, were $239.19 million, which decreased to $74.93 million in 2022-23. Various factors, including high export costs, lack of adherence to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and lack of necessary infrastructure, have played a role in this decline. In addition, increasing air transportation costs and lagging behind in competition compared to competing countries are also among the reasons for the decline in exports. This situation is worrying for the agricultural export sector of Bangladesh and effective steps need to be taken in this regard.

Spice crops: Cultivation of spice crops such as garlic, onion, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili, etc. is increasing day by day. Initiatives are being taken to increase their production as the demand for onion and garlic increases in the country. Flower cultivation: Roses, marigolds, gladiolus, marigolds, and gerberas are mainly produced. Gadkhali in Jessore is called the 'flower capital' of Bangladesh. Medicinal plants: Tulsi, ashwagandha, black cumin, neem, henna, aloe vera, and basil are important medicinal plants cultivated. Use of new technologies: It is possible to increase yields through tissue culture, genetic engineering, greenhouses, and AI technology in agriculture. Productivity is increasing through hybrid and GMO crop varieties.

Development of new varieties: Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and Bangladesh Agricultural University are developing various high-yielding varieties. Improved quality varieties are being produced to compete in the domestic and foreign markets.

Climate change mitigation: Drought, flood, and salinity tolerant varieties are being developed. Losses are being reduced by cultivating fruits and vegetables on high ground and managing crop insurance. Development of fruit processing industry: Local and international markets are being expanded through packaging, preservation, and processing. Demand for mango juice, frozen vegetables, dry fruits, etc. is increasing. Urban agriculture and rooftop gardens: Hydroponics, aeroponics, and rooftop gardening are increasing in cities. Hydroponics is a type of soilless farming method, where the nutrients required by plants are directly supplied through nutrient-rich water. In this method, plants grow in nutrient-rich water or other inorganic (inert) medium such as quaking rocks, coconut husks instead of soil.

Aquaponic farming is a combination of hydroponics (soil-free farming) and aquaculture (fish farming), where a natural recirculation system is created between fish and plants. That is, fish and selected crops are cultivated simultaneously without soil. This method ensures nutrition and food security and provides formalin-free fruits and vegetables.

Climate change and natural disasters: Development of climate-tolerant varieties and alternative agricultural systems should be developed. Crop insurance management should be implemented to combat disasters. The potential of the horticulture sector in Bangladesh is vast. It is possible to further enrich this sector through government and private initiatives, application of modern technology and scientific research. With proper planning and implementation, Bangladesh will not only be able to meet domestic demand, but also compete in the international market. Fruit production in Bangladesh is increasing day by day and the potential for export is also vast. It is possible to make this sector more profitable through the application of modern technology, quality preservation and processing, and expansion of international markets. With the right policies of the government and innovative efforts of farmers, Bangladesh can become one of the most important players in global fruit exports in the near future.

The writer is a, Agriculture and Environment Expert, Dhaka.