Rajshahi , Mar 16 (V7N) –Mango trees across the Rajshahi region, including the vast Barind tract, have started forming fruits in favorable climatic conditions over the past few weeks.
This natural process is progressing smoothly, indicating a promising mango season ahead.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and local growers, fruit setting is taking place at an encouraging pace, raising hopes for a good harvest within the next few months.
Umme Salma, Deputy Director of the DAE, stated that the fruit-setting stage is advancing well, and many mango trees in orchards, gardens, and homestead areas are already wearing a vibrant, eye-catching look.
Dr. Azizur Rahman, Additional Director of the DAE, highlighted that over 50% of mango buds in the region have turned into pods. In Rajshahi, 65% of the buds are currently pea-sized, while 35% have grown to the marble stage. He explained that last year's lower production suggests a better yield this year, as mango production naturally alternates between high and low-yielding years.
However, this year, the early arrival of buds indicates a potentially higher yield. Dr. Shafiqul Islam, Principal Scientific Officer of the Fruit Research Station, emphasized that all conditions are favorable for a successful mango harvest.
Shafiqul Islam Sana, a prominent mango grower from Bagha, who sold mangoes worth Tk 1 crore last year, is cultivating mangoes on 300 bighas of land again this year.
Similarly, Biplob, a grower from Chara Bottola, sold mangoes worth Tk 22 lakh last season. Both are optimistic about this year's yield.
Shafiullah Sultan, Upazila Agriculture Officer in Bagha, noted that if at least 50% of the pea-sized pods survive, the mangoes will grow bigger and be of better quality. Similar conditions are reported in Charghat upazila, where mango pods are beginning to emerge among the leaves.
Farmers are taking precautions against pests. Al Mamun Hasan, Upazila Agriculture Officer of Charghat, mentioned that 50% of the buds have turned into pods. He advised farmers to properly care for their orchards and control pest attacks, especially from mango hoppers and weevils, as temperatures rise.
Abdur Razzak, another mango grower, is actively tending to his orchard. Out of 900 trees, 500 have developed pods. He has already completed a second round of pesticide spraying to protect the crop.
Yadul Islam, who has leased 376 mango trees inside the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) field, reported that 75% of his trees have developed buds this year. He remains hopeful that with proper care, the mango production target will be met despite natural challenges.
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