Mangoes to Be Traded by Kilogram, Ending Outdated ‘Dhalan’ System

RAJSHAHI, 6 June 2025 (BSS) – In a landmark shift from tradition, mangoes in Rajshahi division will now be sold and purchased based on kilograms, replacing the long-standing but controversial ‘Dhalan’ or mound system.

The Previous System: ‘Dhalan’ and Its Discrepancy

Under the outdated Dhalan method, wholesalers (locally known as Aratdars) purchased mangoes from farmers using a variable mound measurement, often counting 42 to 55 kilograms per mound but paying only for 40 kilograms. This discrepancy resulted in significant financial losses for mango growers.

Administrative Intervention

To end this exploitation, the Divisional Administration of Rajshahi convened a meeting on Thursday, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Khandaker Azim Ahmed, at the divisional headquarters.

Participants Included:

• Mango traders
• Businessmen
• Farmers
• Stakeholders from four mango-producing districts:
  • Chapainawabganj
  • Naogaon
  • Natore
  • Rajshahi (host district)

Key Decisions and Implementation

Following the meeting, a unanimous decision was reached to adopt the kilogram-based trading system, effective from Friday (6 June 2025) across the entire Rajshahi division.

“All concerned will abide by this decision and contribute from their respective roles to implement it successfully,”
— Divisional Commissioner Khandaker Azim Ahmed

Commissioner Ahmed also mentioned that legal measures will be taken if necessary to enforce compliance, as the outdated Dhalan system will no longer be tolerated.

Monitoring and Enforcement

To ensure the smooth execution of the reform, the administration has issued directives to:

• District and Upazila-level officers
• Market inspectors
• Law enforcement bodies

Their responsibility will be to supervise and monitor mango trading activities so that farmers can reap the full benefit of this change.

This administrative move is expected to protect mango farmers, ensure fair trade, and introduce transparency in the agricultural supply chain — a significant step toward modernising the region’s renowned mango industry.

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