The plastic crate market in Rajshahi, primarily used for mango transportation, has reached a value of Tk922 crore. Surprisingly, all of these crates are imported, as there is no local production. Crate traders collect these crates from importers who package various fruits, such as apples, oranges, grapes, pears, and dates, in crates. They then sell these crates to orchard owners and mango traders during the mango season. The market offers four quality options, priced between Tk150 and Tk280 for a 20 kg capacity plastic crate.
Around 4.61 crore crates are required to transport approximately 11 lakh tonnes of mangoes, with a market value of Tk922 crore. The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) set a mango production target of 1,152,506 tonnes in Rajshahi, Natore, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon this year, with nearly 80% of the mangoes being transported within the country. The aim is to tap into the potential of plastic crate production locally and to develop a larger market for mangoes beyond national borders.