Mango
Off year for mangoes in Chapainawabganj? Farmers fear potential loss
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.
Off-season Gourmoti mangoes could be profitable for Thakurgaon
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.
Clash over ‘selling rotten mangoes’ leaves 75-year-old dead in Lalmonirhat
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.
Govt wants to stand by farmers: Food Minister
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
10 Best Mango Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day
Mango is a native fruit of southern Asia. This incredibly delicious fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Mango is enriched with fiber, folate, vitamin K, vitamin C, beta-carotene, magnesium and potassium. It promotes cardiovascular health; and aids in maintaining a stable digestive system. On top of that, mango can help to minimize the risk of cancer. Apart from the numerous health benefits, the exceptionally versatile fruit mango can be easily blended with everyday recipes and meals.
10 Healthy Mango Recipe Ideas for Breakfast
Mango, the ‘King of Fruits’ is one of the best things of summer. Many people wait for the summer season just for their love for mangoes. Here we have gathered 10 best mango breakfast recipes to enhance your summer experience even more delightful.
Mango Smoothie
Ingredients
2 mangoes (fresh), 1 small banana (fresh), ½ cup yogurt, honey, ½ cup orange juice, honey and ice cubes.
Process
For best flavor use fully ripe fresh mangoes. First slice the mango into approximately ½ inch chunks, place them in a container, and freeze them. It is better to do the previous day. Bananas and yogurt make the beverage smooth and creamy. For sweetening add honey as per your taste.
To ensure that the frozen ingredients blend well, start by adding the ice cubes and frozen mango chunks, with banana, yogurt, and orange juice. Start to blend at medium speed to break down the larger chunks, then increase the high speed. Continue blending until the mixture becomes smooth, thick, and creamy.
Taste the drink and add extra honey if desired. This is the perfect, easy and convenient way to start a day.
Read more: 12 types of salt used in cooking, baking and seasoning
Mango Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients
1 cup ripe mango pulp, 1 cup chopped mango, 1 cup plain yogurt, ½ cup cream, 3 tablespoon icing sugar, and 8-10 pieces biscuits crumbs.
Process
First combine cream, yogurt, and icing sugar in a bowl. Next, crush biscuits and add two tablespoons of mango pulp to them. Then, take another bowl and mix two tablespoons of the cream mixture into the mango pulp.
Now take a glass. In the glass, at first layer one tablespoon of crushed biscuits followed by two tablespoons of the mango pulp mixture. Then repeat with another layer of the crushed biscuits mixture. Finally, add the cream-yogurt mixture. Decorate with chopped mango and cream. Serve it as chilled. This presents a more sophisticated yet impressive choice for special occasions.
Read more: Health benefits of floral teas: 10 blends you can try
Mango Oatmeal
Ingredients
½ cup quick-cooking oats, ½ cup fresh mango slices, 2 tablespoon almonds (whole or sliced), dash of cinnamon, and dash of nutmeg.
Process
The process for this breakfast dish consists of two main steps: oatmeal preparation, and adding mangoes with toppings.
First bring water to a boil, add the oats, and simmer them over low heat until they reach your desired consistency. The oatmeal can be cooked via microwave or stove.
Once the oatmeal is ready, simply incorporate the mango slices and then sprinkle on top some almonds, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You may add other toppings of your choice. This wholesome and nourishing breakfast option is perfect to start your day.
Read more: 5 Mouth-watering Mango Pickle Recipes to Cherish This Summer
Mango Salad with Lime
Ingredients
2 fresh ripe mangos, 1 red bell pepper, ½ cucumber, ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion, ¼ cup chopped fresh mint, 2 tablespoons chopped coriander, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ tablespoon honey, ¼ teaspoon salt and fresh ground black pepper.
Process
First, cut the mangoes into small pieces. Next, dice the bell pepper and chop the cucumber. Proceed to thinly slice the red onion, and then finely chop the mint and coriander. Finally combine all the prepared ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
Take a separate small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and honey. Pour this dressing over the mango and vegetable mixture, and add salt to your taste. Mix all the ingredients together properly.
The salad can be refrigerated and enjoyed for up to three days. This light and revitalizing salad is a perfect choice for a refreshing summer breakfast.
Read more: Love shutki? 7 spicy Bangladeshi dried fish recipes you can try
Mango Toast
Ingredients
2 tablespoon low-fat natural or Greek yogurt, ¼ ripe mango, and 1 slice wholegrain bread.
Process
First, place the bread into the toaster or oven to prepare toast. It will take a minute. Meanwhile, wash the mango in plain water. Then, cut, peel and slice the mango. Once the toast has been cooled down, spread yogurt on top of it. Arrange the mango slices on the yogurt-covered toast and serve promptly. This uncomplicated and effortless breakfast is ideal for a hectic morning.
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Mango growers, traders in Chuadanga disheartened by low price
Mango growers and traders in the western district of Chuadanga have been left disappointed as the prices of their produces are low comparing to the previous years.
This situation caused concerns among them, who fear incurring losses if the wholesale market continues to perform poorly.
Following the availability of Ati, Guti, and Bombay varieties mangoes in the market, Himsagar mangoes have now entered the market in the district.
According to the 'Mango Calendar' created by the Chuadanga District Administration and Agriculture Department, the collection and marketing of mangoes in the district commenced on May 14. However, the sales of Ati, Guti, and Bombay verities mangoes during the first week of the harvest did not meet expectations, said local farmers and traders.
Also Read: Mango export begins with 10 tonnes to 4 countries
Later, the harvest and marketing of Himsagar mango began on May 22. Despite an abundance supply of mangoes in the market, demand remained remarkably low, they said.
Wholesale prices for Bombay mangoes ranged from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200 per maund, while Ati and Guti mangoes were selling for Tk 350 to Tk 500 per maund, depending on size and quality, they said.
On the other hand, Himsagar mangoes were being sold at Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,400 per maund.
In the retail market, the prices per kilogram were TK 45 to 50 for Himsagar, TK 40 to 45 for Bombay, and TK 15 to 20 for Anti and Guti.
Read more: Mango harvest begins in Natore with Gopalbhog variety
At the beginning of last year's season, Himsagar mangoes were sold in the wholesale market at rates ranging from Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,400 per maund. Similarly, Bombay mangoes were sold between Tk 1,600 and Tk 2,000 per kg, while Ati and Guti mangoes fetched prices of Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,400. This year, however, prices have decreased by nearly half.
According to sources from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), a total of 2,465 hectares land were brought under mango cultivation in the current season and 28,265 metric tonnes are expected to be produced.
As per the mango calendar, Lengra mangoes will be harvested and marketed on May 25, followed by Amrapali and Bari-3 on June 5, Fazli on June 21, and Ashwina and Bari-4 on July 1.
The main hub for mangoes in the district is Barabazar Phalpatti, situated on the banks of the Mathabhanga River in Chuadanga town. Each morning, trades, buyers throng the market. Currently, four types of mangoes dominate the market, with Bombay and Himsagar mangoes experiencing high demand.
Also Read: Bumper production of mango: Chapainawabganj farmers are all smiles
Md. Rafiq, a wholesaler, attributed the price decline to an excess supply of mangoes compared to the current demand.
But he expressed optimism, saying, “However, the market will pick up in a few days, and mango sales will increase. Additionally, the huge demand for litchi in the market is still affecting mango sales. Once the demand for litchi decreases, mango sales will improve, leading to higher prices.”
Nuruddin, a mango trader, expressed his concerns about the current market situation, fearing that farmers' capital would suffer if prices continued to remain low.
“ It is disheartening to witness such low prices for mangoes,” he said.
Read more: Mango harvesting in Rajshahi begins Thursday
Kalam Miah, general secretary of the Chuadanga District Fruit Traders Association, highlighted that the market still had various seasonal fruits, including litchi, readily available.
He added, "If mangoes continue to be sold at such low prices, how will the farmers make any profit? If mango prices remain low throughout the year, how will they sustain themselves?”
Mango harvest begins in Natore with Gopalbhog variety
Mango harvest in Natore district began today (May 20, 2023) with the Gopalbhog variety.
Deputy Commissioner Abu Naser Bhuiya inaugurated the harvest officially by plucking mangoes from an orchard at Kola Chapila in Gurudaspur upazila of the district.
Read more: 5 Mouth-watering Mango Pickle Recipes to Cherish This Summer
Deputy Director of the district’s Department of Agriculture Extension Abul Wadud, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sraboni Roy and owners of mango orchards were present on the occasion.
This year, the government has set a target to produce mangoes worth Tk 750 core from 13,280 orchards in Natore district.
Read more: Bumper production of mango: Chapainawabganj farmers are all smiles
5 Mouth-watering Mango Pickle Recipes to Cherish This Summer
It is hard to find a person in Bangladesh who does not love to eat pickles. Especially, if it is mango pickles, almost everyone likes them. Although, at present, in the era of advanced technology, mango pickles are available throughout the year, when summer comes or the mango season starts, various types of mango pickles are prepared at the urban and rural home-kitchens of Bangladesh. Explore here the 5 delicious mango pickles recipes to try at home.
5 Mango Pickle Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen
Sweet Mango Pickle
Ingredients
5 green mangoes, one tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon nigella seeds, 2 cups jaggery or sugar, and ½ tablespoon fenugreek seeds.
Instructions
First, wash the mangoes and let them dry. Then peel off the skin and cut it into small pieces and remove the seeds.
Read more: Love shutki? 7 spicy Bangladeshi dried fish recipes you can try
Next, take the mango pieces in a steel bowl and add nigella seeds, fenugreek seeds, red chili powder, salt, and jaggery. Mix everything very well or until the jaggery will melt. Now, keep this mixture in the sun for 3 to 5 days or as long as the jaggery syrup thickens and the mango pieces become tender a bit. Don’t forget to cover the bowl with a fine thin cloth to prevent any type of dust.
You can also cook everything together on low heat instead of drying in the sun.
Then, store this sweet mango pickle in a clean airtight jar and keep the pickle in the refrigerator.
Sour Mango Pickle
Ingredients
1 kg green mangoes, 2&1/2 cup water, 1/3 cup spirit vinegar, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 8 garlic cloves cut in halves, 100-gram pickle masala, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, tsp ground fennel, and 1 tbsp salt.
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Bumper production of mango: Chapainawabganj farmers are all smiles
Farmers are all smiles thanks to the bumper production of mango in Chapainawabganj district.
Mango is the main cash crop in Chapainawabganj, and this year the price of mango seems profitable in the local market.
The mango farmers are busy nurturing their orchards in the district.
After meeting local demand, a huge quantity of different varieties of mangoes are being supplied to other parts of the country.
Also read: Mango harvesting in Rajshahi begins Thursday
According to the district’s Department of Agriculture Extension, there are 37,588 hectares of mango orchards and the government has set a target to produce 4,40,956 metric tonnes of mango this year.
Production of mango this year has exceeded that in the previous years. Last year, 3.25 lakh metric tonnes of mango were produced in the district.
This correspondent spoke to some mango farmers. They said, due to the hot temperatures and inadequate rain, the average size of mangoes are a tad small, but ripe, juicy mangoes will start flooding the local markets within next week.
Mango harvesting in Rajshahi begins Thursday
The Rajshahi district administration on Wednesday set May 4 (Thursday) to begin mango harvesting and marketing with the Guti variety this year.
The date for harvesting Gopalbhog has been fixed from May 15, Ranipasand and Laxmanbhog or Lakhna from May 20; Khirsapati or Himsagar from May 25; Lengra from June 6; Amrapali from June 10, Fazli from June 15, Ashwina and Ashwina-4 varieties from July 10 and Ilamati from August 20.
On the other hand, varieties of Katiman and Bari-11 can be harvested round the year.
A meeting headed by Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ahmed was held in this regard at the DC office on Wednesday.
The district administration released a brochure ‘Mango Calendar’ citing the harvesting time so that safe, chemical free and ripened mangos can be ensured in the markets.
DC Shamim Ahmed said they fix dates every year to ensure ripened and safe mangos in the market.
“This year the date was also fixed on the basis of opinions from all the authorities concerned. Moreover, a certificate will have to be taken from Upazila Agricultural Officer to harvest and display mangos on the market once those are ripened earlier before the schedule,” he said.
Red more: No fixed schedule for mango plucking this year in C’nawabganj
Mojdar Hossain, deputy director of the district’s Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), urged the mango growers to harvest in line with the calendar.
He also said that this year 1,050 more hectares of land were brought under the mango cultivation compared with last year’s 18, 528 hectares of land.
The DAE officer hoped that 2, 58,450 tonnes of mango will be produced once the target is achieved.
Additional DC (Development and Human Management) Anisul Islam and Additional Superintendent of Police Abu Saleh Md Ashraful Alam, among others, were present at the meeting.