In Bangladesh, industry insiders attribute the increase in fruit imports to the enhanced purchasing power and health awareness among the population. A noticeable shift towards healthier breakfast options, such as fruit smoothies, reflects a broader trend of increased fruit consumption. This surge is driven by heightened awareness of the health benefits associated with fruit intake, with individuals aiming to incorporate multiple servings of fruit into their daily diets.
The local production of fruits falls short of meeting the burgeoning demand, necessitating significant imports. According to Md Serajul Islam, general secretary of Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association, local production satisfies only about 30 percent of the annual demand. The country primarily produces mango, jackfruit, banana, green coconut, guava, pineapple, watermelon, and papaya, leaving a gap in the market for a diverse range of fruits.
The inclination towards a wider variety of fruits is partly due to increased exposure to Western cultures and a rise in purchasing power. Data from the Plant Quarantine Wing of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Bangladesh Bank reveals a 72 percent increase in fruit imports between the fiscal years 2014-15 and 2018-19, reaching 5.99 lakh tonnes.
Md Azhar Ali, director of the Plant Quarantine Wing, notes that the demand for both imported and locally grown fruits is on the rise, propelled by changing food habits, population growth, and higher income levels. The main imports include orange, tangerine, apple, and grape, which constitute 85 percent of the total fruit imports. Despite some local production of citrus fruits and grapes, Bangladesh does not produce apples, pomegranates, or pears, highlighting the reliance on imports for these items.
While local fruit production has increased, the preference for foreign fruits remains strong among many consumers. Chandi Das Kundu, director of the horticulture wing of the Department of Agricultural Extension, emphasizes the need to alter this preference, noting that the nutritional value of native fruits is comparable to that of imported ones. However, changing consumer preferences, influenced by Western media, presents a challenge.
Source: The Daily Star