Strategies and barriers for year-round fruits production in Bangladesh: a literature-based analysis

Abstract

Bangladesh, an agrarian country with rich agro-ecological diversity, which has substantial potential for expanding fruit production to meet rising nutritional and economic demands. Although more than 100 fruit species are grown nationwide, production is highly seasonal, with nearly 56% of fruits harvested between May and August, resulting in supply gaps, increased imports, and significant post-harvest losses estimated at 26–41%. Per capita fruit intake remains far below the recommended level, reflecting both insufficient availability and inefficiencies in post-harvest handling. This review synthesizes existing literature, national statistics, and global experiences to identify strategic pathways for ensuring sustainable, year-round fruit production in Bangladesh. Key factors limiting continuous production include climatic stresses, lack of suitable off-season varieties, inadequate protected cultivation, poor pollination management, weak extension services, and limited cold-chain infrastructure. The study highlights a set of integrated strategies—crop zoning, varietal improvement, protected cultivation, intercropping systems, precision irrigation and fertigation, and enhanced post-harvest management—that can significantly extend the production window and reduce losses. Successful implementation of these strategies requires coordinated government support, farmer training, research investment, and development of storage and processing facilities. Strengthening market linkages and promoting high-value, climate-resilient fruit varieties can further improve farmer incomes and reduce dependency on imports. The findings emphasize that a holistic, technology-driven, and policy-supported approach is essential to achieve consistent fruit availability, improve national nutrition, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Bangladesh’s fruit sector.