RAJSHAHI, June 01: A mango exhibition displaying 135 varieties of the fruit on the sidelines of three-day Agricultural Technology Fair in Bagha upazila of Rajshahi concluded on Saturday evening.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), they are thinking of setting up a plasma centre for conservation of the mango varieties. So they want to preserve these species.
In response to a question, Shafiullah Sultan, Bagha Upazila Agriculture Officer said, "I've been holding the Bagha upazila agriculture officer's post since 2013. This fair has been being held every year since long. However, it is not known when the fair's maiden version was held."
Bagha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Tariqul Islam inaugurated the fair at the Botomool Square of the Central Shaheed Minar of the upazila on Thursday afternoon.
Visiting the agricultural technology fair in Bagha, this correspondent found that the mango exhibition was arranged next to the main gate of the fair venue.
The mangoes showcased at the fair include Fazli, Langra, Gopalbhog, Khirsapat, Aruna, Amrapali, Mallika, Suvarnarekha, Misridana, Kalibhog, Rupsiduri, Thakurvita, Nayanchandi, Khagrai, Rangbilas, Ratchata, Mallika, Totapuri, Badli, Chapati, Dargabhog, Madhu Chuska , Jagatmohani, Kalabati, Baleni, Mayavati, Vishwasundari, Bhadri, Zaitoon, Applebhog, Mayavati, Kahinur, Jalibandha, Dudhkomar, Chandansuri, Bangavasi, Madhurani, Vishwasundari, Hatijhola, Lakhe Ek, Beli, Surya Dim, Alphonso, Baromasi, Karabau, Gopal Khas, Kent, Suryapuri and Pahutan.
People flocked to the fair to have a glimpse of the mango varieties.
Nahid Hasan, a visitor, said that many species of mangoes are seen in the technology fair organised every year in Bagha.
"I come every time to see these mangoes. Through this, one can get acquainted with different varieties of mangoes. This time I came to know many new species of mangoes," he added.
Sixty-year-old Mannan Hossain has been cultivating mangoes for almost 40 years.
He said, "Once there were many species of mangoes in Bagha. But those mangoes are no more today. It is very good to see these mango varieties together today. Hopefully, the government will try to retain these mango varieties."
Shafiullah Sultan, Bagha Upazila Agriculture Officer, said, at one time there were about 400 varieties of mangoes in Rajshahi.
These species are disappearing with the progress of time. Many old mango varieties are disappearing due to commercialisation and high demand.
He said the fair's initiative has been taken to introduce the new generation and people to the mango varieties.
He added the DAE is mulling setting up a plasma centre for conservation of the mango varieties so that these species cannot be lost.
Bagha Upazila UNO Tariqul Islam said, "Rajshahi mangoes are gradually getting appreciated all over the world. I am impressed by the initiative to introduce so many varieties of mangoes to the new generation.'
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