But the prices of both the mouth-watering items this year are beyond the reach of the ordinary people.

The first batch of Himsagar, Gopalbhog and Lengra, the three most famous and popular varieties from Rajshahi, are already in the city. There are also Guti, Lalmohon or other 'deshi' (ordinary) mangoes now being sold everywhere from footpaths to fruit markets.

Fruit traders at New Market and Karwan Bazar told the Star City that most of the mangoes still taste a little watery as they were plucked premature.

"These are known as 'Baishakhi mango' as they are artificially ripened to sell them at exorbitant prices at the beginning of the season," said Akbar Hossain at Karwan Bazar.

"The 'real and class' varieties will start arriving after at least 10-14 days," Akbar said.

However, Himsagar and Gopalbhog were being sold yesterday at both the markets at Tk 50-60 a kilogram. Lengra is rare and costs Tk 60-70.

Some traders deceive people with some 'deshi' varieties taking advantage of their resemblance with Gopalbhog and Himsagar, alleged a customer at New Market. These sweet deshi mangoes actually sell between Tk 25 and 35 a kilogram, he said.

Mature Lengra, Kohitur, Khirsagar and Fazli will appear on the markets by the end of the Bangla month of Jaistha, traders said.

Experts said the mango production this year was not up to the mark because of intermittent rain, dense fog and cloudy sky in Chaitra that spoiled the mango buds in many places.

Production of lichi also did not live up to the expectations. It appeared only 10-12 days ago and is now about to disappear from the markets. A hundred of Rajshahi lichi costs Tk 180-225. Even the 'deshi' variety this year sells between Tk 80 and Tk 120.

Jackfruits are also available at Tk 40-100 a piece depending on their sizes. But the supply of quality jackfruits will take some more time to come, traders said.

Kalojam (a black juicy fruit akin to cherry) is being sold at Tk 50 a kilogram and Jamrul (a greenish white fruit) at Tk 40-50.

Meanwhile, watermelons have almost disappeared while Bungi and Futi (yellow melons) sell between Tk 20 and Tk 40 a piece.