Over the past decade, Bangladesh’s fruit and vegetable exports have plummeted by a staggering 68.7%, falling from $239.19 million in FY14 to $74.93 million in FY23. This decline is primarily attributed to high export costs, inadequate agricultural practices, and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Europe’s market share for these products has diminished, but it has increased in Middle Eastern countries. In FY23, 49% of Bangladesh’s fruit and vegetable exports went to the Middle East, compared to 30.7% a decade ago.
A recent report by the Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables and Allied Products Exporters’ Association indicates that exports to Europe have dropped from 54.8% in FY14 to 32% in FY23. These products mainly reach ethnic markets for Bangladeshi expatriates due to a lack of traceability systems and issues like poor agricultural practices, packaging, and technology.
Exporters cite various reasons for the export decline, including the absence of a cooling house at the airport, scanner complications, and delayed shipments. Additionally, the cost of air freight in Bangladesh makes products more expensive compared to India, which can utilize seaports.
Experts say that the dip is largely due to the absence of post-harvest management and the problems at every stage of production and shipment.
Bangladesh’s agricultural exports comprise a range of vegetables and fruits. Export destinations include the UK, Italy, Germany, France, the Middle East, and other countries. Many insiders and exporters have also said that exports of agro and agro-processed products have declined due to factors like the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
To tap into high export potential, efforts are underway to improve agricultural practices and infrastructure. The Department of Agricultural Extension is implementing a project to promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) is working on extending the shelf life of agricultural products using electron beam radiation.
These measures aim to boost exports and enhance food security.
