(BSS) - About 100 metric tonnes of chemical-free mangoes from Satkhira will be exported to international markets this year.

Officials expect total mango sales in the district to exceed Taka 400 crore this season.

Due to favorable weather condition, Satkhira`s famous mangoes have started ripening and hitting the markets ahead of other districts.

According to the schedule fixed by the district administration, the collection and marketing of mangoes began on May 5.

Currently, local varieties like Gobindobhog, Gopalbhog, Bombay, and Baishakhi are available in the markets.

In wholesale markets, Gobindobhog and Gopalbhog are being sold between Taka 1,300 and 1,500 per maund, while retail prices range from Taka 1,600 to 1,800.

However, prices are significantly higher in the online market, reaching up to Taka 5,000 per maund including courier charges.

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) sources said mangoes were cultivated on 4,900 hectares of land in the district this year, with a production target of 70,900 metric tonnes.

Saiful Islam, Satkhira District Agricultural Extension Officer, told BSS that after the current varieties, the popular Himsagar mangoes will be harvested from May 15, followed by Langra on May 27 and Amrapali on June 5.

“We are monitoring the markets constantly to ensure that consumers get safe, chemical-free mangoes and maintain the reputation of Satkhira’s mangoes abroad,” he added.