The season's mango harvest and marketing have formally begun in Satkhira. Under the mango calendar set by the district administration, picking and marketing started in different parts of the district on Tuesday, 5 May, and growers are hoping for good prices.

The harvest was opened at a ceremony in the orchard of grower Abu Said in Fingri union of Sadar upazila. Acting Deputy Commissioner Bishnupada Pal was the chief guest.

Soon after the opening the orchard bustled with activity. Workers with ropes, baskets and bamboo ladders picking the fruit gave the whole area a festive air.

"We wait all year for this moment," Abu Said said. "The trees have fruited well this time. Since picking has started at the time set by the government, I hope for good prices. If the weather stays favourable, the season will be profitable."

The agriculture department said that starting the harvest on schedule will keep the fruit's natural maturity, protecting the quality and market reputation of Satkhira's mangoes. The administration and law enforcers have also stepped up field monitoring to stop immature and chemically treated mangoes reaching the market.

Wholesalers from different areas had contacted orchard owners before the season began, and growers are hoping for a good yield and fair prices.

Grower Shafiqul Islam said the yield is better than last year. "If there is no storm or heavy rain, I hope farmers will make a good profit," he said.

In the first phase, local varieties including Gopalbhog, Gobindabhog, Golapkhas, Baishakhi and Bombai are coming to market from the district's upazilas. Picking of Himsagar is set to start on 15 May, Langra on 27 May and Amrapali on 5 June.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the Langra and Amrapali dates were brought forward somewhat at growers' request. Officials believe these mangoes will ripen within the set time.

Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Monir Hossain said the district has a production target of about 70,900 tonnes of mangoes from orchards on 4,120 hectares this season.

The ceremony was presided over by Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arnab Dutta. District Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Saiful Islam, Monir Hossain, DAE officials, representatives of the district administration, local public representatives and mango growers from various areas were also present.

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