For decades, Bangladesh’s coastal farmers have lived with a stubborn reality. Saline soil, prolonged waterlogging and the growing impacts of climate change have steadily narrowed their crop choices, leaving many vulnerable to repeated production losses.
Now, a research initiative in Patuakhali is challenging that assumption with mangoes.
Scientists at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) say they have successfully grown and evaluated 32 mango varieties, including several exotic cultivars, under the saline and waterlogged condition of the southern coast, raising hopes that commercial mango cultivation.
The findings come from BARI’s Regional Horticulture Research Centre at Lebukhali in Dumki upazila, where researchers have spent years testing whether improved mango varieties from around the world can adapt to the country’s coastal environment.
If the results continue over multiple growing seasons, researchers believe the initiative could diversify farming, increase rural incomes and eventually create export opportunities.
A different future for coastal agriculture
Bangladesh’s coastal belt has traditionally been regarded as unsuitable for many high-value fruit crops because of rising soil salinity and seasonal waterlogging. Climate change has only intensified those constraints.
The BARI research seeks to turn those limitations into opportunities by identifying varieties capable of thriving where conventional orchards struggle.
During the 2024-25 season, scientists evaluated 31 exotic mango germplasms alongside local materials, assessing their adaptability, yield, fruit size, colour, sweetness, edible portion, storage life and disease tolerance.
Among the standout performers were six striking red-skinned varieties — Miyazaki, Lady Jane, Chiang Mai, Taiwan Red, Kuzai and King Chakapat.
Red-skinned mangoes remain rare in Bangladesh, giving them strong commercial appeal.
Researchers believe they could command premium prices in domestic markets while offering long-term export potential.
Bigger, sweeter and available beyond the season
Some varieties distinguished themselves not only through appearance but also through productivity and quality.
Brunei King produced exceptionally large fruits, averaging about 2.35 kilograms each — several times heavier than ordinary mangoes commonly sold in local markets.
Chiang Mai recorded the highest edible portion, with about 81 percent of the fruit consisting of flesh rather than peel and seed, making it attractive for consumers and processors alike.
Sada Dofala registered 26 percent total soluble solids (Brix), indicating an exceptionally sweet fruit.
Chiang Mai also emerged as the highest-yielding variety, with an estimated production potential of 2.73 tonnes per hectare. Kingston Pride and Katimon also demonstrated encouraging productivity under coastal conditions.
Researchers identified another commercially significant trait in the Chokanon variety: off-season fruiting.
Bangladesh’s mango season usually runs from May to August. A variety capable of producing fruit outside that window could allow growers to reach markets when supplies are limited and prices are considerably higher.
Post-harvest performance has also been encouraging. Banana Mango remained in good condition for nine to ten days at room temperature, increasing its suitability for transport to distant markets and, potentially, export.
Beyond mangoes
The research programme extends well beyond a single fruit crop.
Scientists are simultaneously developing production technologies for year-round guava cultivation in waterlogged areas and for mango, guava, dragon fruit, malta and pomelo under saline conditions.
The broader objective is to diversify agriculture across Bangladesh’s coastal belt, reducing farmers’ dependence on a limited number of traditional crops while improving resilience against climate-related shocks.
The research centre is also working directly with farmers by providing improved saplings, technical training, orchard management support and advice on disease control and modern fruit production.
Farmers begin to take notice
The research has already generated interest among growers.
Md Abdul Jabbar Akand from Galachipa said he established a mango orchard on waterlogged land this year after receiving guidance from BARI.
“Earlier we never imagined exotic mangoes could grow in our coastal conditions,” he said. “Now, after seeing the growth of the trees and the fruiting, we are much more confident.”
Sufia Khatun, a farmer from Bauphal, said she is planning to expand from guava into mango cultivation if quality planting materials become available.
Md Kabir Mridha of Kalapara said fruit cultivation on saline land had reduced production risks but added that wider success would depend on farmers having reliable access to improved saplings, technical assistance and stable markets.
Research still underway
Researchers caution that the findings remain preliminary.
Senior Scientific Officer Dr Mahamuda Ratna said almost all tested varieties except MI PK-013 and MI PK-025 have shown encouraging performance in fruit quality, colour, edible portion, harvesting period and storage characteristics.
However, she said recommendations for commercial cultivation would only be made after evaluations over multiple growing seasons.
Principal Scientific Officer Dr Md Alimur Rahman said the ultimate goal is to identify mango varieties best suited to Bangladesh’s coastal climate while developing production technologies that enable profitable fruit cultivation under saline and waterlogged conditions.