Mango, the most delicious and juicy summer fruit has started appearing in the markets of Rajshahi city, its adjacent areas and some places of the country as its harvesting began since May 13. Farmers are harvesting the local and indigenous varieties from May 13, Gopalbhog from May 20, Ranipachhand and Lakhna from today (Wednesday) while Himsagar or Khirshapat will begin from May 28. They are also set to harvest Langra from June 6, Amropali and Fazly from June 15, Ashwina and BARI Aam-4 from July 10, Gormati from July 15, and Ilamati from August 20. Therefore, mango trading will be started gaining momentum in different markets of Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts with appearing varieties of the seasonal fruit along with rushing buyers from across the country.
The markets famous for mango business including Baneswar, Shaheb Bazar, Haragram, Upashahar, Shalbagan, Rajabari, Godagari, Kansat and Rohanpur have got an eye-catching look amidst bumper production. Many of the small-businessmen are seen selling mango on roadsides or vending at localities on rickshaw-vans and modes of carriers.
The government should take
necessary steps to prevent
adulteration in the mango ripening
process using harmful chemicals
The juicy and delicious varieties of mangoes are now being transported to various markets across the country including the capital city Dhaka, other metropolitan cities, district towns and even village huts and bazars. Apart from traders, like the previous years, people from across the country are also coming to Rajshahi and its outskirts especially Baneshawar Bazar to buy mangoes.
Only 100 gram of calcium carbide can ripen nearly 100 kilogram of mangoes while the chemicals could cause deadly diseases like cancer, kidney and liver complications, experts say. Mango is the leading seasonal cash crop of the country’s northwest region and dominates the economy in the region. Therefore, the farmers and traders must maintain best practices from production to marketing mango. Besides, local administration will have to prevent adulteration in the mango ripening process using harmful chemicals.
The authorities concerned should monitor the godowns of mangoes through surveillance teams so that harmful chemicals cannot be used in fruits. Apart from these, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) and members of law enforcement agencies must keep a vigilant eye at all entry points to the capital setting up eight checkpoints to prevent chemical-tainted mango.
Mangoes mixed with deadly chemicals such as carbide is extremely hazardous for human health. The chemical has a long-term affect on human body. If the best practices of growing, harvesting and marketing of mangoes are maintained strictly for ensuring the delicious fruit as safe to the consumers, only then we can eat mangoes without hesitation. Therefore, all concerned should remain vigilant so that none can commit any malpractice relating to the mango harvesting and marketing.