The much-anticipated mango harvesting season has officially commenced, sparking enthusiasm among farmers, traders, and consumers across the country.
According to the government's newly finalised harvesting calendar, mango collection began in early May and will continue in phases through mid-August, depending on the variety and region.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), in coordination with local administrations, implements the harvest calendar to minimise post-harvest losses and ensure safer, higher-quality fruit for both domestic consumers and international markets.
This year, the season kicked off on May 5 in Satkhira, where early local varieties such as Gobindobhog and Gopalbhog entered harvest. From there, collection activities will gradually expand to other districts as fruits reach optimal maturity.
In the southwestern districts of Jashore and Chuadanga, harvesting is set to begin around May 15, featuring early-maturing varieties like Himsagar.
The northwestern region - widely known as the "mango belt"-follows closely: Rajshahi, one of the country's largest producing districts, starts harvesting on May 25. The same timeline applies to nearby Natore, where similar varieties are cultivated.
Chapainawabganj, often referred to as the nation's "mango capital", will begin its harvest on May 26, while Naogaon will begin from June 1. These two districts play a crucial role in both domestic supply and export markets.
Officials note that variations in soil composition, microclimates, and cultivar characteristics mean mangoes in these areas require additional time to mature fully.
In the northern region, Rangpur will begin harvesting from May 30.
From late May through June, major varieties such as Himsagar, Langra and Amrapali will enter the market.
By late June and early July, the popular Fazli variety-known for its large size and late maturity-will become available.
Gradually, other varieties, including Bari Mango-4, Haribhanga and Banana Mango will also be harvested.
The season will conclude with the Gourmati variety, scheduled for harvesting from August 14, making it the last variety of the season.
As a result, the country enjoys a mango supply window of nearly three and a half months, from early May to mid-August.
The harvesting calendar was finalised following a high-level meeting chaired by the Director General of the DAE, attended by mango scientists, agricultural experts, exporters, and deputy directors from major mango-producing districts.
The calendar was prepared under the Exportable Mango Production Project.
Project Director Md Arifur Rahman said mangoes must be harvested at the proper stage of maturity to ensure quality exports and maintain market stability.
He said immature mangoes do not ripen properly and often lack sweetness, while proper harvesting is essential for maintaining quality in export markets.
Due to variations in climate and geography, maturity timelines differ across regions, making district-wise and variety-based schedules necessary, he noted.
Bangladesh currently exports mangoes to 37 countries. Ensuring proper harvesting, handling and marketing is critical not only for domestic consumption but also for sustaining export growth and strengthening trade relations, he added.
The DAE expects the country to produce around 2.9 million tonnes of mangoes this year.
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