Photo: BSS

NATORE, May 11, 2026 (BSS) - The district administration today announced the official schedule for harvesting mangoes and litchis in Natore to ensure the supply of safe and chemical-free fruits to consumers.

The schedule was unveiled at a preparatory meeting on fruit harvesting, preservation and marketing held at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's office this morning with Deputy Commissioner Asma Shahin in the chair.

Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner said the district administration is working to remove all obstacles related to fruit harvesting, marketing and transportation to ensure safe fruits reach consumers across the country.

She said upazila administrations would maintain close coordination with mango and litchi growers, traders and transport operators to facilitate smooth collection and distribution of the seasonal fruits.

Administrative monitoring will also continue to prevent the use of harmful chemicals in orchards and ensure public health safety, she added.

Highlighting the nutritional importance of fruits, Asma Shahin urged growers and traders to avoid the use of harmful chemicals and follow ethical and moral values in fruit production and marketing for the greater public welfare.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Md. Habibul Islam Khan said the agriculture department has been advising farmers to harvest only mature fruits and avoid misuse of chemicals.

He said growers were also encouraged to harvest mangoes with stalks attached to increase shelf life, prevent sap-related rotting and support healthy budding of trees after harvesting.

The DAE official added that farmers are being encouraged to adopt the bagging method for producing safe and quality mangoes.

According to the schedule, harvesting of local "Aati" mangoes will begin on May 15, followed by Gopalbhog on May 25, Rani Pochondo and Khirsapat on May 30, Lakshmanbhog on June 5, Langra and Amrapali on June 15, Mohonbhog and Haribhanga on June 25, Fazli on June 30, Mallika on July 5, Bari-4 on July 15, Ashwina on July 20 and Gourmati on August 10.

For litchis, harvesting of the Mozaffar variety will begin on May 17, while Bombay and China-3 varieties can be harvested from May 25.

Officials expect the district to produce around 7,540 tonnes of litchis from 4,887 hectares of orchards and nearly 68,316 tonnes of mangoes from 5,693 hectares of mango orchards during the current season.