Satkhira has begun harvesting early-season mangoes with authorities expecting more than Tk400 crore in sales and the export of around 100 tonnes of chemical-free mangoes this year.
Favourable weather and the district’s unique soil conditions helped mangoes ripen earlier than in most other parts of the country, allowing local varieties to arrive in markets ahead of the peak summer season.
Local varieties including Gobindobhog, Gopalbhog, Bombay, Golapkhas and Boishakhi have already started appearing in markets across Satkhira.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), mango cultivation this year covered around 4,900 hectares in the district.
The production target has been set at nearly 70,900 tonnes.
Authorities said mango harvesting and marketing officially began on 5 May under a schedule fixed by the district administration.
Visits to markets in Satkhira Sadar, Kalaroa and Tala showed a heavy supply of early-season local mango varieties.
At Sultanpur Boro Bazar in Satkhira town, traders said Gobindobhog mangoes currently dominate the market.
Depending on size and quality, Gobindobhog and Gopalbhog mangoes are selling at Tk1,300-Tk1,500 per maund in the wholesale market, while retail prices range between Tk1,600 and Tk1,800.
Grower Ismail Hossain said production has been very good this year, although farmers remain worried about prices.
“We face many challenges. As there are no cold storage facilities, we are forced to sell at the prices offered by traders,” he said.
He also said farmers have limited marketing opportunities outside Sultanpur Boro Bazar.
Trader Kabir Hossain said the strong yield increased market supply this season.
“Prices are comparatively lower, but farmers are still likely to benefit because production is high,” he said.
Farmer Sirajul Islam said he sought Tk1,600 per maund for Gobindobhog mangoes, but traders were offering only Tk1,300-Tk1,400.
Traders believe prices may fall further if supply continues to increase in the coming weeks.
However, the online market presents a sharply different picture.
Online sellers from different parts of the country are reportedly selling mangoes at Tk120-Tk125 per kg, including courier and related charges, pushing the equivalent price to around Tk5,000 per maund.
Satkhira Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Monir Hossain said the district’s mangoes ripen earlier than those in other regions because of geographical advantages.
“As Satkhira’s mangoes arrive early and have a unique taste, demand remains very high,” he said.
He said the district aims to export around 100 metric tonnes of mangoes this season and expects total sales to exceed Tk400 crore.
Satkhira DAE Deputy Director Saiful Islam said the district administration was closely monitoring orchards and markets to ensure consumers receive safe and chemical-free mangoes.
He said harvesting of Himsagar mangoes will begin on 15 May, Langra on 27 May and Amrapali on 5 June in Satkhira.
