Gopalbhog, Khirsapat appearing in Rajshahi, C\\\'nawabganj markets

RAJSHAHI, June 4 (BSS): Mango, the most juicy and delicious fruit of the summer season, has started appearing in the markets of Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts, famous for the most favourite summer fruit, for the last few days.
Some indigenous varieties along with the two major varieties- Gopalbhog and Khirsapat have appeared in the markets, but most consumers are frustrated with the high price. However, the consumers have to wait for some more couple of days to get all the varieties in full scale.
The popular summer fruit will be available in the local markets by mid of June abundantly when all the varieties will appear in the markets. Meanwhile, due to hot spell and prolonged drought, the growth of mango at the orchards of the two districts was hampered this year.
Though the early variety of mangoes started to appear in the markets, mango growers are apprehending loss in production due to weather condition.
At the wholesale markets of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and Baneswarhat, the early variety of 'Guti' mangoes are being sold at taka 1,400 to 1,600 per maund.
The 'guti' mangoes are comparatively sour and less tasty and also small in size. With the 'Guti' mangoes, some best quality Gopal Bhog magoes are also being sold in the markets.
Abdul Bari, a mango orchard owner in Godagari under Rajshahi, said the
Gopal Bhog mangoes which are now in markets are all tainted with chemicals. He expressed the hope that Gopal Bhog will start appearing the market within a week. And afterwards, the Khirsapat mango will appear.
In the wholesale markets of Rajshahi, Kantakhali and Baneswar, a maund (45 kilogramme) of Gopalbhog mango is being sold from taka 1,800 to 2,200.
The hot spell during the time of flowering and maturing of mango hampered its growth as a result, the size of mangoes were not large as compared to those of previous year and damage of mangoes were massive on the trees due to the adverse condition.
The agriculture- department officials said harvest of the juicy fruit in the major mango hub is expected to be nearly 0.45 million tonnes this year.
However, many owners of mango groves said, no rainfall for a long time, couple of nor'westers during the early May, high day temperature and drought like weather, shook off many green and matured mangoes.