Once the district town of Satkhira was called a Border City, or a Sandesh City. But for the last few years it is called the city of mangoes. Because Satkhira mangoes meet the demand of the country to a great extent and are exported abroad. In the current season, the mango yield however is half that of last year.

Mango yield has decreased in Satkhira this year as the weather was not favorable at the beginning of the season. Besides, due to intense heat and lack of rain, the mangoes did not grow much in size. That's why there are small mangoes hanging from the trees. Due to prolonged heat wave and drought, small mangoes have fallen from the trees. However, if the mangoes can be marketed and there is no natural disaster, the loss can be overcome, the farmers said.

The harvest of mangoes started on May 9 as per the schedule given by the Satkhira district administration to market mangoes safely while maintaining their quality. Satkhira mango ripe early every year due to climatic and geographical reasons. Moreover, Satkhira mangoes are in worldwide demand due to their delicious taste. Due to adverse weather conditions, the yield of mangoes this year is much less than the last several years. However, farmers hope to make a profit if they can market them at the right time.

Mango yield is low this year. Besides, the possibility of natural disasters is high. As a result, there is a fear among farmers whether they will be able to market mangoes at the right time.

Supplying ripe mangoes to the consumers will increase business reputation. That is why traders have been requested to supply ripe mangoes. Saiful Islam, Deputy Director, District Agricultural Extension Directorate, Satkhira said.

Everyone will benefit if mangoes are harvested according to rules. Besides, the popularity of Satkhira mangoes will increase. Said Swaib Ahmad, Upazila Executive Officer, Sadar and Satkhira Agriculture Officer Monir Hossain

According to the schedule local varieties of mangoes will be harvested a week ahead on May 9, Gopalbhoga, Bombay, Gopalkhas, Baisakhi. Govindbhog on May 11, Himsagar on May 22, Nyangra mango on May 29, and Amrupali mango on June 10.

According to the Agriculture Department, 4 thousand 118 hectares of land have been cultivated in Satkhira district for mango production. A target of 50,000 metric tons of mango production has been set this year from these orchards. Being non-poisonous, safe and free from formalin, the mangoes of this district have a good reputation in foreign markets. For this reason, like previous years, Satkhira mangoes will be exported to different European countries this year. However, no exporting company has started preparations for this yet.

END/V7N/SDK/DK/