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Bagerhat exports 66 tonnes of tomatoes to Malaysia, boosting farmer incomes

In a significant breakthrough, tomatoes from Bagerhat, Bangladesh have been exported to Malaysia for the first time, providing relief to farmers struggling with low prices and market saturation. So far, 40 metric tons have been shipped, with another 26 metric tons set for export in the coming days.

As the winter season ends, Bagerhat farmers have faced challenges due to an oversupply in local markets, forcing many to abandon their harvest as prices drop. The new export initiative has renewed optimism by offering fair prices and sustainable income. Faisal Ahmed, the entrepreneur leading the effort, called it a major milestone and expressed plans to expand exports to other vegetables from the region.

Several high-quality tomato varieties, including Bahubali, Beautiful-2, Bipul Plus, PM-1220, and Mintu Super, have been chosen for export due to their superior taste and texture. Farmers across Bagerhat Sadar, Chitalmari, Mollahat, and Fakirhat have reported abundant yields, but many were unable to sell due to falling prices. In local markets, tomatoes are selling for $0.07–0.09 per kg in retail, while wholesale prices have plummeted to $0.04–0.05 per kg, making harvesting unprofitable.

Many farmers suffered losses, including Madhab Mondal from Shyampur village, who cultivated tomatoes on three bighas of land but struggled to sell them at a viable price. Shailen Nath from Charbaniari village initially sold tomatoes at $0.45–0.55 per kg, but prices later collapsed to $0.03–0.04 per kg, making it impossible to cover labor costs. Frustrated by the losses, many farmers considered abandoning tomato cultivation altogether.

The export initiative has changed the outlook for these farmers. Helal Uddin Molla from Garfa village in Mollahat had been selling tomatoes at $0.05–0.06 per kg but is now able to sell them for $0.11 per kg to Faisal Ahmed's team. He expressed hope that this new opportunity will sustain local farmers.

The export process, led by Faisal Ahmed's Madhumati Agro & Nursery, involves collecting tomatoes from farmers in Mollahat, Chitalmari, and Fakirhat. The produce is then packed and transported to Chattogram port before being shipped to Malaysia in refrigerated containers to maintain freshness. Ahmed noted that while domestic prices remain low, exporters are offering $0.11–0.12 per kg, ensuring farmers receive a fair return. Since January 25, 40 metric tons have already been exported, with another 26 metric tons scheduled for shipment.

Looking ahead, Ahmed plans to expand exports to include pointed gourd, bottle gourd, hyacinth beans, and taro stolons from Bagerhat. Agricultural officials see potential in this initiative, with Deputy Director of Bagerhat's Department of Agricultural Extension, Shankar Kumar Majumder, confirming that exported tomatoes passed all necessary quality checks. He emphasized that continued exports would benefit more growers and boost tomato cultivation in the region.

With global markets opening up, Bagerhat farmers remain hopeful that this export initiative will lead to a more stable and profitable agricultural future.

Source: UNB

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