At first, the Guti variety will be harvested.
The harvest date for Gopalbhog was fixed for May 20; Ranipasand and Laxmanbhog from May 25; Khirsapat or Himsagar from May 28; Lengra from June 6; Amrapali, Fazli and Surma Fazli from June 15; and Ashwina and Ashwina-4 varieties from July 10, according to a press released issued by the DC office.
Strict action will be taken against harvesting of unripe mangoes, said the release. Administration and police will monitor the harvesting procedures strictly.
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However, due to the change in the weather, if mango ripens in any area before the stipulated time, the farmers will be able to collect mango by informing the concerned upazila administration.
There was also suggestion on marketing of mangoes.
Farmers have no reason to worry as the agricultural products are not under the purview of lockdown. Moreover, the Union Digital Centres can be used to send mangoes through courier service with online orders. Instructions have already been given to all upazilas in this regard.
Alim Uddin, chief scientific officer of the Rajshahi Fruit Research Centre, said the district now has mango orchards on 16,573 hectares. The production target has been set at 210,000 metric tonnes this year.
He said the condition of mango in Rajshahi is good.
However, if the coronavirus situation lingers, there will be problem in marketing. Traders will face loss, if transport does not resume, he said.
Aminul Islam, a mango farmer from Godagari upazila, said they have no objection to the administration's decision. However, they are now worried about transportation amid restrictions imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus.