Rajshahi University (RU) has taken an unusual step ahead of the Jyoishtho fruit season. The administration has banned picking mangoes, lychees, jackfruit and other campus fruit while they are unripe. A "Madhuphal Utsab" (festival of sweet fruit) will be held to protect the fruit and share it equally among all once it is ripe.

The university's public relations office announced this in a notice on Monday, 20 April.

The notice said an active high-level committee will be formed through a joint initiative of the university administration and students. On set dates, ripe fruit will be collected and distributed fairly through special booths. All students and people connected with the institution have been asked not to damage unripe fruit or pick it on their own.

Asked about the festival, student adviser Dr Amirul Islam said fruit on the university's trees is often seen being destroyed in disorderly picking. Through the festival everyone will be able to enjoy the sweet fruit, and a festive atmosphere will be created, he said. He hoped the initiative could succeed if students cooperate and do not damage the fruit.

The student adviser said the events could be organised hall by hall, with plans for pandals and booths in every hall to serve the fruit. The festival could make an impression across the country and bring discipline back among students, he said.

On protecting the fruit, he said there will be announcements by loudspeaker as a warning. Trees that have been leased out by tender will be marked separately, and a list of trees open to students will be prepared.

Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Faridul Islam said the university has many trees that bear fruit in the month of Jyoishtho. The festival will be held with ripe fruit only, and the step was taken to stop fruit being wasted while still unripe, he said.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.