Early mango blossom raises hopes in Chapainawabganj
Mango orchards in Gomostapur upazila are blanketed with blossom as spring sets in, raising hopes of a better harvest among growers in this district, which is widely known for mango production.
Farmers stated that the sweet scent of mango flowers has spread across orchards, with bees swarming around the trees, while they remain busy tending the orchards in anticipation of a good fruit set and better prices.
Growers and local officials attributed the early, widespread bloom to a comparatively mild winter, with less fog and reduced cold stress compared to last year.
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According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, mango is being cultivated on 4,390 hectares in Gomostapur this season, and around 92 per cent of trees have already come into bloom. The office also stated that reduced fog and fewer overcast days have lowered the risk of pest attacks and fungal diseases, helping improve the natural growth of trees and the rate of flowering.
Montaz Ali, a mango grower from Boalia Union, stated that he has an orchard on eight bighas of land and is optimistic about the season. 'This year, almost every tree has bloomed well because the winter was not severe,' he said, adding that current weather conditions are favourable for flowering and fruit set. He stated that his orchard includes varieties such as Amrapali, Kalibhog, Laxmanbhog, Bari-4, Fazli, Langra, and Himsagar.
Abu Taleb, General Secretary of the Gomostapur Upazila Mango Growers and Traders' Association, stated that farmers are taking various steps to ensure better colour, yield, and prices. However, he urged the district and upazila administrations to act on the long-standing issue of mango weights at markets.
He stated that a decision was taken last season at the office of the Divisional Commissioner in Rajshahi to set one maund at 40kg, but it was not enforced at field level due to the influence of intermediaries, causing losses for farmers.
The agriculture office stated that it is monitoring orchards regularly and advising farmers on balanced fertiliser use, irrigation, timely application of pesticides and fungicides, and overall orchard management to minimise risks and secure better output this season.
