Himsagar mango collection begins in Satkhira as admin cuts short deadline by 5 days
A maund of Himsagar mango was being sold at Tk1,500-Tk2,000
The collection of Himsagar mangoes began in Satkhira today (15 May) after the district administration changed their prior decision and allowed farmers to pluck the mangoes, which have become ripe due to extreme heat five days before the previous deadline.
Earlier, the district administration had fixed 20 May for the collection of the mangoes.
Facing pressure from the farmers and the traders, the administration sat for an emergency meeting with the Agriculture Division yesterday (14 May) and changed their decision.
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Mustak Ahmed, deputy commissioner of Satkhira district, said, "We have cut short the deadline based on the farmers' demand after taking the situation into consideration. However, there is a condition that green mangoes cannot be collected from the trees.
"We all have to be united to preserve the reputation of Satkhira's mango. Legal steps will be taken if anyone tries to mix chemicals in the mangoes," the DC said.
Rajab Ali, general secretary of Sultanpur Kitchen Market Association in Satkhira town, said, "There is a huge number of Himsagar mangoes in the market. But the prices are low. Mangoes are falling from the trees automatically after becoming ripe. We could have received higher prices if these mangoes could have been marketed earlier."
Meanwhile, Sultanpur Kitchen Market was abuzz with Himsagar mangoes yesterday (14 May).
Visiting many kitchen markets in Satkhira town, our correspondent found them to be packed with Himsagar mangoes.
A maund of Himsagar mango was being sold at Tk1,500-Tk2,000. These were being sent to the capital and other districts through courier services and other mediums.
According to the Agriculture Division, this year's target for mango production in Satkhira has been set at 80,000 tonnes, the market price of which will be Tk400 crore.
Monir Hossain, agricultural officer of Satkhira Sadar Upazila, said 70 tonnes of mango has been selected for export.
The district administration has set the date for collecting Langra mangoes from 27 May and Amrapali mangoes from 5 June.
