Rajshahi, Jan 21 (V7N) - Mango orchards in Rajshahi are starting to bloom with early buds, bringing hope for a bumper harvest among farmers. However, concerns over damage caused by dense fog persist, despite reassurances from agricultural experts that the risk remains low.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has suggested that the sun following the fog will revitalize the buds rather than harm them. Farmers have been advised to use fungicides to ensure the health of the early buds.

This year, the Rajshahi District Agricultural Extension Department has set a target of cultivating mangoes on 93,200 hectares of land across Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, and Natore districts, with an estimated production target of 1.25 million tons. Of this, 17,900 hectares are in Rajshahi alone. Last year, the region produced 1.27 million tons of mangoes.Farmers in Charghat and Bagha upazilas have reported early buds in their orchards. Villages like Nimpara, Bhayalakshipur, Charghat Sadar, Sarada, and Shalua in Charghat, and Monigram, Bausa, and Gargaria unions in Bagha, have seen early flowering.Bahadur Rahman, a mango farmer from Kaluhati village, shared, “Buds did not appear for the last two years, but this time they have come earlier. If the fog doesn’t cause damage, we expect a huge harvest.”

Mango farmer and trader Shamsul Haque noted, “Some trees have started budding, and in 10 days, the entire garden will bloom. We are cleaning weeds and spraying pesticides to protect the buds and encourage healthy growth.”Dr. Shafiqul Islam, Chief Scientific Officer of the Rajshahi Fruit Research Center, said, “This year’s buds have arrived quite early. Since last year’s yield was lower, we are optimistic about more buds this time.”

Umme Salma, Deputy Director of the Rajshahi DAE, remarked, “The trees currently budding are of early varieties. Farmers are actively preparing by spraying garden care chemicals. We anticipate a higher yield compared to last year, and the fog is unlikely to cause significant damage.”

With favorable conditions and proactive measures, farmers are hopeful of achieving this year’s ambitious production targets, setting the stage for a prosperous mango season in Rajshahi.

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