Regional campaign held to boost local economy and mango industry in Shibganj

A regional campaign highlighting local economic development and the role of the mango sector was held on January 14, 2025, at the Shibganj Upazila Parishad premises. Organised with support from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and the PRABRIDDHI Local Economic Development (LED) Project, the event showcased Shibganj's advancements in mango production and municipal services.

Nine municipalities engaged in mango trade participated, sharing knowledge and practices aimed at boosting the regional economy. A key highlight was the adoption of Ultra-High-Density (UHD) technology in mango farming, enabling year-round production and better market access for late-season mango varieties.

Funded jointly by the Government of Bangladesh and Switzerland, the PRABRIDDHI project is implemented by the Local Government Division and Swisscontact. The initiative seeks to strengthen secondary cities through enhanced municipal competitiveness and public-private dialogue.

The campaign included a seminar on local economic development, a mango trade fair, and business-to-business (B2B) dialogues involving major players like Shwapno, Pran Foods, and Akij Food & Beverage. Other activities included traditional drama performances, competitions for women entrepreneurs and youth, and farm visits demonstrating UHD technology.

Prominent attendees included Md. Azahar Ali, Shibganj Municipality Administrator; Jiban Krishna Saha, Director General of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority; Md. Abdus Samad, Deputy Commissioner of Chapainawabganj; and Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Chief Scientific Officer at the Regional Horticulture Research Centre.

Md. Abdus Samad praised the PRABRIDDHI initiative for its replicable local economic development model, while Dr. Mokhlesur Rahman highlighted the region's strides in mango production and marketing. Alamgir Kabir of Swisscontact noted Shibganj's progress since 2018 as a model for other municipalities.

The event drew over 1,000 participants, including agricultural officials, business leaders, and local farmers. Discussions underscored the importance of innovation, infrastructure improvements, and collaboration in driving sustainable economic growth in the mango sector and beyond.