Rajshahi begins Guti mango harvesting

RAJSHAHI, May 16: The harvesting and marketing of Guti variety mangoes officially began following the "Mango Calender" in Rajshahi on Friday, marking the start of the mango season in one of Bangladesh's largest mango-producing regions.

On the first day of trading, Guti mangoes were sold at prices ranging between Tk 1,200 and Tk 1,400 per maund in different markets across Rajshahi.

Visits to Kukondi and Budhpara areas under Paba Upazila showed growers harvesting mangoes on a limited scale, while traders were preparing for distribution.

However, growers said most orchards are yet to reach full maturity and large-scale harvesting is expected to begin within the next few days.

Orchard owner Ariful Islam from Budhpara said harvesting has started in several orchards in the area, but fully ripened mangoes are still limited. He expects harvesting activities to gain momentum in the coming days.

To prevent the marketing of immature mangoes and ensure quality standards, the authorities have fixed separate harvesting dates for different varieties under the mango calendar. According to the schedule, Gopalbhog mangoes can be harvested from May 22, while Ranipasand and Lakshmanbhog varieties will be available from May 25. Harvesting of Himsagar and Khirsapat mangoes will begin on May 30. Langra and Banana Mango varieties will be allowed for marketing from June 10, while Amrapali and Fazli mangoes can be harvested from June 15.

Bari Mango-4 will be available from July 5, followed by Ashwina on July 10 and Gourmati on July 15.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said Katimon and Bari Mango-11 varieties can be harvested year-round.

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