United News of Bangladesh

With summer in full bloom, Natore finds itself basking in the golden glow of a mango season that is as bountiful as it is beautiful.  From the quiet village orchards to the bustling market squares, the district is humming with the sweet scent of ripened fruit, a heady reminder of nature’s generosity and the region’s mango-growing prowess. Often mentioned in the same breath as the famed mango belts of Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi and Naogaon, Natore stands tall with its vibrant offering of both beloved classics and an ever-expanding gallery of exotic cultivars. The markets are alive with colour and conversation.  Glimmering heaps of mangoes — from blushing pinks to sun-drenched yellows — are drawing in buyers from near and far.  Prices, mercifully, remain a pleasant surprise. “This is one of the best years in terms of both variety and value,” beams Liton, a cheerful trader busy weighing baskets of Gopalbhog.  Mangoes here range from Tk 15 to Tk 60 per kilogram, making the king of fruits a daily indulgence rather than a rare treat. Natore's rawhide traders distressed by 10-day entry ban into Dhaka A Market Awash with Mangoes In the heart of the mango trade, Ahmadpur in Baraigram upazila and Tamaltala in Bagatipara are seeing a frenzy of activity.  These two wholesale hubs have transformed into vibrant epicentres, where voices rise above the rustle of mango-laden sacks and the clang of truck gates slamming shut. No fewer than ten truckloads of mangoes leave Tamaltala for Dhaka every day, say traders Uzzal Hossain, Lalon Ali and Mosharraf Hossain, their eyes gleaming with the thrill of brisk business.  Even more make their journey from Ahmadpur, destined for cities across the nation.  At these wholesale centres, a maund of mangoes fetches anything from Tk 500 to Tk 1,500, depending on the variety and freshness. Tradition Meets Tempting Newcomers Selim Reza, a proud recipient of the National Agriculture Award and a lifelong mango cultivator, stands among his trees with a knowing smile.  “Gopalbhog, Langra, Mohanbhog, Lakshmanbhog, Khirsapat, Rani Pochondo and Mallika are ruling the markets right now. But the season has more to offer. Soon, late bloomers like Amrapali, Nag Fazli, Surma Fazli and Maharaj Fazli will arrive,” he shares. There is a quiet revolution taking place in the orchards of Natore. Once known only for traditional favourites, the district is now making waves with mangoes few Bangladeshis have tasted — names like Katimon, Bandikuri, Kyuzai, Totapuri, and the intriguingly named Banana Mango. These rare varieties, grown with care and curiosity, are adding new flavours to the local mango narrative. And there’s more. The NAS hybrids — NAS-1 through NAS-5 — have captured imaginations and markets alike. These large-fruited, high-yielding varieties bring not just impressive sizes but also thrilling textures and flavours. NAS-4 glows round and vibrant, while NAS-5 is loved for bearing fruit twice in a season, a gift few growers can resist. Flavours from Afar, Rooted in Natore Natore’s orchards now tell an international tale. Indian-origin gems like Arunika, Arunima, Hamilton, Arkanilachal, and Ambika are flourishing beside American showstoppers such as Kent, Keitt, and Austin. Thailand’s blushing Red Palmer joins the chorus, creating a truly global mango medley. Local innovations sing their own sweet notes — Gauomoti and BARI-4, proudly developed by Bangladeshi researchers, are flourishing in select gardens and fetching handsome prices on Dhaka’s high-end supermarket shelves and online stores. Even the elusive Ashwini mango, grown only in a few blessed pockets of the district, finds its place in this celebration of variety. Natore’s bio fish feed offers cheaper, safer future for aquaculture A Golden Harvest After Grey Skies Nature had its moments of mischief earlier in the season, with nor’westers and hailstorms threatening the harvest. But the trees stood strong, and the yield tells a story of triumph. Habibur Rahman Khan, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Natore, estimates this year’s mango production at around 73,000 metric tonnes.  “Although the season began with some setbacks, the overall yield has been promising. This abundance is ensuring consumers get mangoes at reasonable prices," he says. And so, under the sun-dappled shade of mango groves, Natore’s orchards whisper a sweet secret: that in this land of fragrance and fruit, every bite is a celebration — of tradition, innovation, and the sheer joy of summer.  

The mango harvesting schedule  in Rajshahi for the current season will officially start on May 15, the administration said on Wednesday. Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhtar  announced it during a discussion meeting on mango collection, transportation and marketing at the conference room of the DC office. The administration  also set a production target of 2,60,006 metric tonnes  of mango with a sales target of Tk 1,695.85 crore. First harvest of mangoes for Chuadanga farmers from May 15 Agricultural officials, mango growers, traders and transport owners were present at the meeting. The district administration also unveiled the annual ‘Mango Calendar’. According to the calendar, the harvesting of Guti mangoes will begin on May 15, followed by Gopalbhog on May 20. Other varieties including Ranipachanda or Laxmanbhog from May 25, Himsagar or Khirsapat from May 30, Langra or Banana Mango from June 10, Amrapali and Fazli from June 15, BARI Mango-4 from July 5, Ashwina from July 10 and Gourmoti from July 15. Meanwhile, Katimon and BARI Mango-11 varieties can be harvested year-round, depending on ripeness. This year, mangoes have been cultivated on 19,603 hectares of land in Rajshahi. The mango harvesting in Bangladesh  usually runs from May to August. The peak season is June and July.

Aamshotto, or mango pulp candy, is a delightful treat that captures the exclusive taste of ripe, juicy mangoes. This chewy and tangy confection is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavours, making it a favourite among mango lovers. Homemade mango pulp candy satisfies your sweet tooth and offers a healthy snack option. Nutrients and Health Benefits of Mango Mangoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which boost immunity, improve vision, and promote healthy skin. They are rich in dietary fibre, which helps with digestion and prevents constipation. The antioxidants in mangoes help combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.  Additionally, mangoes provide essential minerals like potassium, supporting heart health and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Including mangoes in your diet offers a delicious way to enhance health and well-being. Read more: 6 Tasty Dragon Fruit Recipes to Try at Home Mouthwatering Aamshotto Recipes for Home Kitchens . Mango Pulp Candy from Ripe Mangos (Misti Aamshotto) Ingredients 3 cups mango puree, and 1 cup sugar. Instructions To make aamshotto, cook the mango puree in a pan for about 5 minutes. Once the puree is heated, add sugar and continue to cook until the mixture thickens. Prepare a tray by greasing it, then pour the thickened mango puree onto the tray.  Read more: Miyazaki: Why are the world's costliest mangoes considerably cheap in Bangladesh? Now, allow it to dry in the sun for two days or, if you prefer, dry it under a fan for three to four days. Once fully dried, unmold the mango papad and cut it into pieces. Serve and enjoy your homemade mango pulp candy.

Some 50 metric tonnes of mango of different varieties was exported to Europe on till Monday, authorities said. According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), 50 metric tonnes of mangoes of Himsagar and Gobindobhog varieties are exported in the market of European countries including England, Sweden and Italy. Later, Lengra and Amrapali varieties will be exported in phases. Mango harvest in Natore begins today with Gopalbhog variety This year, the local administration has set a target to export 300 metric tonnes of mango and training was given to the mango growers in Kalaroa, Sadar and Debhata upazilas. But this year, the size of mango is not appropriate due to low yield of mango in Satkhira caused by the cyclonic storm Remal and drought, which is feared to achieve the export target this season. Saiful Islam, deputy director of Satkhira DAE, said this year the mango of Satkhira failed to achieve the standard export quality as spots were found in mangoes. Besides, the size of mango is not up to the mark. As a result, it will be difficult to fulfill the target set by the authorities. Special mango rail to start operation on Chapainawabganj-Dhaka route June 10 Rafiqul Islam, a mango grower of Bakal area, said he has 25 bighas of land under mango cultivation. He however, managed to export four metric tonnes of Gobindobhog variety and two metric tonnes of Himsagar variety mango to the European countries. Besides, the price of the exported mango is better than the previous year as he is selling per maund of mango at Tk 3200-3400, which was Tk 2400-2500 in the last year. Satkhira started to export mango in European countries and the Middle East in 2015. Read more: Naogaon district sets ambitious Tk 2500 crore target for mango sales

The local administration in Naogaon district has announced an ambitious goal to achieve Tk 2500 crore in mango sales, as the region prepares for the upcoming harvesting season. The diverse range of mango varieties grown here, including the early Guti mango set to be harvested from May 22, positions Naogaon as a significant player in the agricultural sector. Officials from the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) have provided a detailed schedule for the harvest: Gopalbhog mangoes from May 30, Khirsapati or Himsagar from June 2, Nag Fazli from June 5, Langra and Haribhanga from June 10, Amrapali from June 20, Fazli from June 25, and later varieties like Aswina, Bari Mango-4, Gourmoti, and Katimon from July 10. This year's cultivation covers 33,300 hectares, aiming for a production of 431,500 tonnes of mango. The district is known for its rich diversity in mango varieties, with farmers cultivating 16 different types. Local mango growers are optimistic about the market prospects despite the challenges posed by weather conditions, including a costly drought. Mango harvesting in Natore to begin on May 25 Sohel Rana, who owns Agro Park in Sapahar upazila, has invested in 75 bighas of land dedicated to mango cultivation. He emphasizes the adherence to advanced agricultural practices to ensure quality produce. Another local farmer, Nur from Islampur village, shared that while initial costs range from Tk 30,000 to 35,000 per bigha, drought conditions have pushed costs up by an additional Tk 4,000 to 5,000 this season. Despite lower yields, high market prices could still ensure profitability for growers. Abul Kalam Azad, Deputy Director of DAE in the district, highlighted the export potential, noting that approximately 220 metric tonnes of mango were exported last year. This year, the district has set a target to export 500 tonnes. Azad remains hopeful about reaching the sales target of Tk 2500 crore, provided the weather conditions are favorable, which will play a crucial role in achieving these ambitious goals. As the harvesting season approaches, the market is poised to be flooded with a variety of mangoes from Naogaon, promising both local consumption and significant export opportunities. Mangoes dropping early in Rajshahi amid intense heat; growers, traders worried

Mango yield in Rajshahi district, known as the capital of mango, have been affected due to the prevailing severe heat wave condition and lack of rains, causing anxiety among farmers and traders. The district and many other regions of the country have been experiencing intense heat wave for about a month, which has caused the water bodies and ponds in the Barind region to dry up, resulting in the early drop of mangoes and litchi pods. Local mango growers and traders said the amount of buds in the mango trees of the district was much less than the previous year.Crop lands have been dried up due to absence of rains which is affecting mango and litchi production as well, they said. Already 30 percent mango pods have been dropped, said the mango growers. Gazipur train derailment: Salvage operation still on 24 hours post-collision According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), this year, a total of 19,602 hectares of land have been brought under mango cultivation, which is 24 hectares more than the previous year. The DAE authorities set a target to produce 2,60,164 tonnes of mangoes this year. But it is feared that even half of the target won’t be achieved due to the high rate of mango dropping. Bagha and Charghat upazilas of Rajshahi district are top in mango production but this year farmers are worried over possible losses.Abdul Mannan, a mango grower of Bagha upazila, said “Mangoes are produced in large quantities in Bagha upazila. But this year, most of the trees lack mangoes, making the farmers and traders disappointed. About 30 percent of the mango pods have dropped due to drought. Mango traders are worried about getting back the production cost.” Fear of fruit failure grips mango growers in Chapainawabganj as heatwave Intensifies Dr Shafiqul Islam, chief scientific officer of Rajshahi Fruit Research Centre, said, “The quantity of pods is good and if those sustain there is a possibility of good yield. But who can say about the heat wave? The current heat wave is causing problem not only for mangoes but also for litchi. To produce any crops, fruits and vegetables, water is needed. If there is a shortage of water, all of these will be affected.” Umme Salma, assistant director of Rajshahi DAE, said “Mangoes fall for different reasons, even rains cause fall of mango pods. This year small trees have enough mangoes while big ones have a little less. But dropping mango pods is normal. Farmers who failed to nurture the trees properly are witnessing more fall of mangoes.”

Mango farmers in Chapainawabganj district are bracing for potential losses this season, with significantly fewer buds observed on trees, particularly affecting larger trees amid challenging weather conditions. This year's reduced bud bloom could mark the season as a mango-off year, a phenomenon where production alternates annually between high and low yields due to natural growth cycles and external factors. Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources indicate that cold weather is to blame for the decreased number of mango buds in the district. However, there is optimism that warmer temperatures could encourage more buds to bloom. Off-season Gourmoti mangoes could be profitable for Thakurgaon The region, known for its extensive mango orchards spanning 37,604 hectares, produced 443,625 metric tonnes of mangoes last year. Mango bud formation typically occurs from early Magh to mid-Falgun, but this year's expected bloom has been hampered by the prevailing cold. Mango farmer Abdur Rakib from Chapainawabganj municipality notes that diligent tree care can yield better bud production, even in an off year. Yet, the cost of cultivation might outweigh profits due to the reduced number of buds. Rakib also highlights the risk of natural calamities, which could further impact growers already facing low bud counts.

Gourmoti, a new off-season variety of mango, could be profitable for Thakurgaon. Two mango farmers, Mahabbat Ali and his nephew Bulbul Ali, of Dakkhin Bangaon area in Ranishankail upazila have succeeded in producing the Gourmoti variety of mangoes. This variety gained popularity in the area due to its sweetness and deliciousness. Farmers expected to sell the mangoes worth Tk 40 lakh this season. Bangladesh exports 2,700 tons of mangoes to 34 countries in current season Mahabbat Ali told the UNB correspondent that he along with his nephew Bulbul planted 1000 saplings of late variety mangoes on 14 bigha of land four years back. During a recent visit to the mango orchard, this correspondent found that they used fruit bags in their orchard and a total of 400-450 maund of mangoes were to be harvested from the trees. The weight of each mango is 650-800 grams and per maund mango is being sold at Tk 10,000-12,000. Clash over ‘selling rotten mangoes’ leaves 75-year-old dead in Lalmonirhat Many thronged the orchard of Mahabbat-Bulbul and showed interest in growing this variety of mangoes. Shahidul Islam, Ranishankail Upazila Agriculture Officer, said, “This variety of mango tastes sweet and the farmers can sell them in the local market at a higher price due to its availability during off season.” Langra and Ashina mangoes recognised as GI product He also assured of providing all necessary support to farmers who wanted to grow this variety of mango on their land.

A 75-year-old man was killed in a clash over “sale of rotten mangoes” at Sirajul Market in Kakina union of Kaliganj upazila under Lalmonirhat district around 10 pm on Tuesday (July 12, 2023). The deceased was identified as Azizar Rahman, a resident of Ichlir Char village under Laxmitari union of Gangachara upazila in Rangpur. Read: Hit by bus, on-duty traffic police constable dies in Ctg Locals said the incident took place when a clash broke out over selling rotten mangoes at Sirajul Market on Tuesday night.Habibur Rahman, officer-in-charge (investigation) of Kaliganj police station, said Azizar Rahman was killed in the clash between two groups. Read: Body of a man found near CUET gate Legal action in this regard is under process, he added.

Terming farmers as the heart of the country, Bangladesh's Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumdar on Tuesday (May 30, 2023) said that the aim of the government is to stand by the farmers. "Whether they cultivate mango or paddy, the interest of the farmers must be protected,” the minister said at the inauguration ceremony of mango harvesting and marketing in 2023 season in Sapahar's Godown Para area on Tuesday. The Food Minister said under the leadership of the Prime Minister, there has been a bumper yield of Boro, Aman paddy and mangoes as well and farmers are getting a fair price for paddy. "I hope they will also get a fair price for mangoes,” he added. Sadhan Chandra said now the supply of local fruits is quite good. “Dollars will be saved if fruits are not imported from abroad and the nutritional value of local fruits is also high.” Read more: Bumper yield of Boro paddy satisfies Madaripur farmers “There is an opportunity to export various fruits and we are exporting mangoes. As a result, mango farmers are benefiting. But the problem is that foreigners want to know whether the mangoes are safe or not. We cannot show them certificate.” He hoped that in future it will be possible to export more mangoes with certificate from the safe food directorate. Chaired by Sharmin Jahan, assistant commissioner (land) of Sapahar, Upazila Parishad Chairman Md. Shahjahan Hossain, Upazila Awami League President Md. Shamsul Alam Shah Chowdhury and agricultural worker Shapla Khatun were present  atthe programme. Later, the minister inaugurated the Fish Chattar in Jabai Beel and the Joy Bangla Chattar on the Upazila Parishad premises. Read more: Salinity-tolerant rice cultivation brings delight to Barguna farmers