Prolonged heat waves and persistent dry weather conditions are presenting challenges for mango farmers in Bangladesh, with potential implications for production levels. Saiful Islam, a mango orchard owner in Chapal village, Godagari Upazila, reports that young mangoes are falling from trees due to the heat and dry conditions. Despite daily watering, the situation remains unresolved.
Approximately 60% of immature mangoes have reportedly fallen in the region, causing concern among farmers and traders. Dr. Shafiqul Islam, principal scientific officer at the Fruit Research Station, attributes the smaller fruit sizes to ongoing heat and insufficient rainfall.
In Rajshahi, the district administration has been setting deadlines for mango picking over the past five years. Tajul Islam, a farmer in Rajshahi city's Borobongram Namopara, observes that 20% of his mango trees have lost their buds amid the heat and lack of rain.
Farmers of seasonal fruits are worried about the potential impact on the harvest, which could result in reduced mango and litchi yields this summer. The heat and absence of rain have led to blossoms drying and falling off, raising concerns about production declines.
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) officials acknowledge the challenges posed by the drought but assure farmers that a complete disaster is unlikely. Dr. Azizur Rahman, additional director of the DAE, indicates that 10% of mango buds have fallen in many orchards across the Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, and Natore districts. The DAE projects a yield of 12,19,910 tons of mangoes from 93,224 hectares in these districts, which constitute half of the country's total mango production. Last year, the region produced 12,07,263 tons.
The DAE recommends flood irrigation to mitigate drought effects. "Moderate irrigation will not work this time. Growers need to keep their mango orchard under constant irrigation," a DAE official advises. Dr. Azizur Rahman adds that with proper care, the production target can still be met.
In Chapainawabganj, mango orchards span 37,604 hectares, with an expected yield of 450,000 tons. Naogaon anticipates 432,000 tons from 30,300 hectares, while Rajshahi expects 260,000 tons from 19,602 hectares.
Anwar Hossain Polash, another grower in Bagha Upazila, anticipated a good harvest this year. However, he reports a 40% production drop last year and expects similar results this year.
Litchi production is also affected, with juvenile litchis drying up due to the heat. Moksed Ali in Paba Upazila resorts to manual watering, hoping to mitigate the adverse effects.
Source: BSS News