Naogaon: Mango harvesting is scheduled to commence in Naogaon district from May 22, with expectations of sales surpassing Taka 3,500 crore this year. More than 30,300 hectares have been dedicated to mango cultivation in the district. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a production target of 366,000 metric tons of mangoes for the district. The market value of these mangoes is projected to range between Taka 3,500 crore and Taka 4,000 crore. A meeting involving the district administration, mango growers, traders, and agricultural officers was held to finalize May 22 as the official start date for mango harvesting and sales. Following the meeting, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Naogaon, Mohammad Abdul Awal, announced the harvesting schedule. The local variety, 'Guti Aam,' will be the first to be marketed on May 22. Other popular varieties such as 'Gopal Bhog,' Khirsapat, and Himsagor, along with several others, will become available on staggered dates throughout the season, concluding on July 10. DC Abdul Awal emphasized that approximately 60 percent of the district's mango production is comprised of the Aam Rupali variety, which is favored nationwide. He reiterated that the district administration will enforce the harvesting schedule strictly to avoid premature harvesting and marketing of mangoes. Deputy Director (DD) of the DAE, Abul Kalam Azad, stated that a significant campaign has been conducted to ensure adherence to the harvesting timetable. The initiative aims to supply consumers with chemical-free ripe mangoes, with efforts also being made to facilitate the export of these chemical-free mangoes abroad.
