The Rajshahi district administration has set this year's calendar for mango harvest, prohibiting growers and traders from selling the fruit in markets before May 15.

The decision was made at a meeting with mango growers, traders and agriculturists at the deputy commissioner's office today, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Afia Akter.

DC Afia said Guti varieties of mangoes can be collected and marketed from May 15.

The dates for other varieties were also finalised: Gopalbhog, Ranipochondo (also known as Lakkhanbhog) on May 20; Himsagar and Khirsapat on May 25; Lengra on May 30; Fazli on June 10.

Ashwina, Bari-4, and Gouramoti mangoes will be collected on July 5, July 10 and July 15, respectively. Katimon and Bari-11 varieties, however, can be collected and sold throughout the year.

DC Afia also said executive magistrates will monitor orchards and markets, and legal action will be taken if anyone violates the calendar.

However, growers may harvest mangoes before the scheduled dates with permission from the relevant upazila authorities, particularly if adverse weather is expected.

According to Sabina Begum, additional deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, mango production in the district is expected to reach 260,006 tonnes from 19,603 hectares of land this year.