The prospects for agro-processing enterprises in the Rajshahi region, including its extensive Barind tract, are highly promising due to the surplus production of crops, especially food grains, fruits, and vegetables. 

Masudur Rahman, President of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), highlighted that the region has been consistently producing abundant crops like rice, maize, wheat, as well as fruits such as mangoes, bananas, papayas, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables for several decades, thanks to its favorable soil, topography, and climate.

The speaker underscored the noteworthy function of the Bangabandhu Multipurpose Jamuna Bridge in enhancing communication and broadening the scope of commercial prospects for the excess agricultural output in the northern area. Rahman emphasized how crucial it is to have a steady supply of electricity and access to natural gas to support the development of agro-based businesses of all kinds.

Rahman urged the government to upgrade Rajshahi Airport to facilitate direct exports of processed agricultural products, fresh vegetables, and fruits to Middle Eastern and European countries. He underscored the necessity of setting up agro-processing industries to ensure maximum utilization of agricultural products, which would also incentivize farmers to cultivate high-value crops for increased income.

Muhammad Ali Sarker, a businessman in the region, noted that the region currently fulfills 52% of the country's total food demand and supplies 76% of raw materials for agro-based industries. He highlighted the opportunity for establishing mango-based industries, considering that the region alone produces 49% of the country's total mango production.

Abdur Rahman, Deputy Managing Director of Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, pointed out the significant rice production in the northwest region, suggesting the establishment of rice-bran oil processing mills to extract edible oil from rice bran. He also emphasized the potential for exporting aromatic rice produced in districts like Rajshahi, Naogaon, Chapainawabgonj, Natore, and Dinajpur.

Furthermore, Shamsul Wadud, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), highlighted the government's emphasis on agro-processing, which aligns with the region's potential for value-added agro-processing opportunities and agro-based industries.

Overall, business leaders, bankers, agronomists, and researchers emphasized the agricultural potential of the region, particularly focusing on value-added agro-processing opportunities and agro-based industries, which could significantly contribute to the region's industrialization efforts and ensure a sustainable linkage between production, processing, and marketing.