Mango farmers in Rajshahi are facing concerns over this year's harvest as a result of the scorching heatwave and insufficient rainfall, dampening their initial optimism following robust sprouting since March.

The ongoing drought exacerbates the situation, particularly impacting mango orchards in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, and Natore, where fewer mango buds have been observed compared to previous years.

According to stakeholders, mango cultivation spans across 93,266 hectares in these four districts, with over 1.27 million tons of mangoes harvested last year. However, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a target of 1.25 million tons for this year.

Mango farmer Aminul Haq from Rajshahi's Charghat Upazila expressed dismay as mango buds are either falling off or rotting, despite initial sprouting. Similarly, Shafiqul Islam Sana, a grower in Bagha Upazila, anticipates a significant drop in production this year, compared to the impressive sales and exports he achieved last season.

Mizanur Rahman from Chapainawabganj's Shibganj Upazila highlighted the adverse impact of March rains on sprouts and young buds, aggravated by the persistent heatwave, raising concerns about recouping production costs.

Farmers report that traditional measures like regular irrigation and insecticide use have proven ineffective in mitigating the effects of the heatwave.

Officials acknowledge the crisis, with Mokhlesur Rahman from the Regional Horticulture Research Centre advising farmers to intensify care for mango trees during droughts through consistent irrigation and repellent use.

Chapainawabganj DAE Deputy Director Palash Sarker recognizes the decline in sprouting and budding, terming this season as "off."

Meanwhile, Md Mahmudul Faruk, additional director of DAE in Rajshahi, notes variations in sprouting across districts, anticipating a decline in production compared to the previous year, particularly in trees that bore abundant fruit.

Md Shafiqul Islam from Rajshahi Fruit Research Station attributes the production setback to drought, citing a scarcity of pollinating flies. However, he remains optimistic about a satisfactory harvest next year.