(BSS) - Satkhira district has set a target of producing 70,380 tonnes of mangoes this season, with around 100 metric tonnes expected to be exported to international markets.

Harvesting and marketing of different mango varieties, including the popular Himsagar, have already begun following the mango harvesting calendar announced by the district administration.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), mango cultivation has been carried out on 4,140 hectares of land across the district this year.

Last year, mangoes were cultivated on 4,137 hectares, with a production target of 70,000 metric tonnes. Farmers harvested around 66,250 metric tonnes during the season.

Compared to the previous year, mango cultivation has expanded by three hectares, while the production target has been increased by 380 metric tonnes.

Under the district administration`s harvesting schedule, collection and marketing of the highly sought-after Himsagar variety officially started today.

The district`s mango trading season began on May 5 with the harvesting of Gobindobhog and Gopalbhog varieties.

Mango grower Hafizul Islam Khoka of Kukhurali area in Satkhira Sadar said Himsagar mangoes from his orchard are once again being exported to the United Kingdom and Italy this year.

"Four tonnes of Himsagar mangoes were exported from my orchard today," he told BSS, adding that he sold the mangoes at Tk 3,000 per maund.

Meanwhile, traders at Sultanpur market in the town said mango prices are slightly lower this year due to higher supply in the market.

Depending on size and quality, Himsagar mangoes are currently being sold at prices ranging from Tk 1,500 to Tk 2,500 per maund.

Satkhira Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Monir Hossain said farmers have been allowed to market Himsagar mangoes from May 15 as the fruit has now fully matured.

He said Langra mangoes will be marketed from May 27, while Amrupali mangoes can be sold from June 5.

Monir Hossain said the district expects to export around 100 metric tonnes of mangoes this year and expressed hope that total mango sales would exceed Tk 400 crore during the season.

Deputy Director of the DAE`s Satkhira office Agriculturist Saiful Islam said the district has around 5,350 mango orchards and nearly 12,500 mango growers.

He said favourable weather, fertile soil and geographical advantages help Satkhira`s mangoes ripen earlier than those in many other districts.

"We are conducting round-the-clock monitoring to ensure consumers receive safe and chemical-free mangoes," he added.