The mango formation process is progressing smoothly in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts, signaling the imminent arrival of the beloved juicy fruit within the next couple of months, thanks to favorable climatic conditions.
Fruit setting is advancing well, with many mango trees already displaying visually appealing appearances in orchards, gardens, and homestead areas.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) reports abundant buds in the new mango orchards of Naogaon this year, although fewer buds have appeared on the larger trees in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj. Mango cultivation spans across 93 thousand hectares of land in Naogaon, Rajshahi, and Chapainawabganj.
According to DAE Additional Director Mahmudul Faruque, over 50 percent of the buds have transitioned into pods in the region. In Rajshahi, 65 percent of mango buds are currently pea-sized, while 35 percent are marble-sized.
Dr. Shafiqul Islam, principal scientific officer of the Fruit Research Station, attributes the reduced bud count this year to last year’s bumper crop, resulting in less food storage in the trees. However, this decline in production is expected to yield larger mangoes of superior quality.
He notes a delayed appearance of buds on trees due to an extended winter, with buds emerging later than usual, primarily in late February.
An irregular distribution of buds is also observed, with some trees exhibiting full coverage while neighboring trees remain bare, with only new leaves emerging. This pattern extends to individual trees, where one branch may be adorned with buds while others remain barren.
Mango grower Shafiqul Islam Sana expresses disappointment as fewer buds have appeared on trees compared to last year, attributing some bud loss to hailstorms. Despite this setback, he remains hopeful for a fruitful harvest.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Shafiullah Sultan highlights the potential for better quality mangoes if at least 20 percent of the pea-sized pods survive, emphasizing the importance of proper orchard care and pest control.
Similar conditions are reported in Charghat upazila, where farmers observe leaves but few mango pods on their trees. Despite challenges, proactive measures such as pesticide spraying are being undertaken to ensure successful mango production.
With a proactive approach, mango grower Abdur Razzak is diligently caring for his trees, noting pod appearances on a significant portion of his orchard.
Yadul Islam, who rents mango trees within the field of Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, reports good bud formation this year, expressing optimism about meeting mango production targets with proper care and management despite natural challenges.
