Mango markets gain peak in Rajshahi and C\\\'nawabganj

RAJSHAHI, June 9 (BSS): Despite unfavourable weather mango trading has gained momentum with appearance of several varieties in markets of Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, the two districts known as capital of mango production and its trading.
Besides the markets, haats and other growth centres, the mango-based trade and business has changed the local economic scenario of the region as a whole.
During the current peak season, Gopalbhog, king variety of mango for its taste and flavour, and some other delicious varieties like Langra and Himsagar have appeared in the markets in abundance besides other local and developed varieties.
However, the brisk business of Gopalbhog is supposed to finish within next couple of days.
According to the sources concerned, market price of the seasonal delicious fruit is exorbitant this season due to less production mainly caused by prolonged scorching heat and different other natural catastrophes.
Gopalbhog is being sold at Tk 2,400 to 2,600 per maund while Langra and Himsagar at Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,200 and Tk 1,800 to 2,000 respectively in the wholesale markets and there is no possibility of decline in the market price in the days ahead.
In Rajshahi city, many places like Shaheb Bazar, Swarnapatty, Seroil, Railway Gate, Luxmipur, Bus Terminal, Court Bazaar, New Market, Upashahar Market, Shalbagan, Binodpur, Court Station and Baneshwar Bazar are flooded with mangoes. The traders are doing brisk business.
Besides the markets-based trading, many vendors are selling mango in vans and other manual vehicles everywhere.
Rahmat Ali, a mango trader at the bus terminal in the metropolis, said the much-expected buying and selling has gained momentum gradually despite the high price.
Like the previous years, people from across the country are arriving in Rajshahi city and on its outskirts especially Baneshawar Bazar to buy quality juicy mangoes.
Meanwhile, around 40 tonnes of mangoes are being supplied and transported from Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts to different parts of the country including the capital Dhaka everyday at present.
Senior Scientific Officer of Mango Research Centre Dr Alim Uddin said the farming of mango has been increasing every year and the gardeners are earning massive profits by cultivating high yielding and hybrid varieties like Amropali side by side with the traditional and popular indigenous varieties.
Mango is an important agricultural item in the region as income and livelihood of a large number of people heavily depend on its cultivation, said farmers, traders and agriculture officials.
Seasonal jobs for around 50,000 people were created in the mango business-related multidimensional activities from harvesting to final sale besides carrying, basket-making, packaging and segregation.
Mejbah Uddin Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi, said the district administration has taken necessary measures like conducting mobile courts in the mango markets to prevent the adulteration and mixing of harmful chemicals. Besides, awareness programmes are being conducted highlighting the bad affects and impacts of the harmful chemicals.