Satkhira: The Satkhira district has set an ambitious target for mango production this season, aiming to produce 70,380 tonnes, with approximately 100 metric tonnes earmarked for export to international markets. The district has commenced the harvesting and marketing of various mango varieties, including the well-known Himsagar, in accordance with the mango harvesting calendar released by the district administration.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reported that mango cultivation has been carried out on 4,140 hectares in Satkhira this year. This marks a slight increase compared to the previous year’s 4,137 hectares, with the production target also seeing an increase of 380 metric tonnes from last year’s 70,000 metric tonnes. Despite a target of 70,000 metric tonnes, farmers harvested around 66,250 metric tonnes last season.
The district administration has set a harvesting schedule, and today marks the official start of Himsagar mango collection and marketing. The mango trading season in the district began on May 5 with the harvesting of Gobindobhog and Gopalbhog varieties. Hafizul Islam Khoka, a mango grower from the Kukhurali area in Satkhira Sadar, reported that Himsagar mangoes from his orchard are being exported to the United Kingdom and Italy. He mentioned that four tonnes of Himsagar mangoes were exported today, fetching Tk 3,000 per maund.
Traders at Sultanpur market have noted a slight dip in mango prices this year due to higher supply. Currently, Himsagar mangoes are sold between Tk 1,500 and Tk 2,500 per maund, depending on size and quality. Satkhira Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Monir Hossain stated that farmers have been permitted to market Himsagar mangoes from May 15 as they have fully matured. Langra mangoes will be available from May 27, followed by Amrupali mangoes on June 5.
The district anticipates exporting around 100 metric tonnes of mangoes this year, with expectations that total mango sales could surpass Tk 400 crore during the season. Saiful Islam, Deputy Director of the DAE’s Satkhira office, highlighted that the district boasts approximately 5,350 mango orchards and nearly 12,500 mango growers. The region’s favourable weather, fertile soil, and geographical advantages contribute to the early ripening of Satkhira’s mangoes compared to other districts. Continuous monitoring is being conducted to ensure that consumers receive safe and chemical-free mangoes.