Farmers in the Rajshahi region of Bangladesh are concerned that mango production may decrease by approximately 50 percent this year due to adverse weather conditions. The area, which includes the districts of Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Natore, and Rajshahi, hosts mango orchards on 93,224 hectares of land and contributes to half of the nation's mango output.
Unfavorable weather, including a prolonged fog period during winter and a severe heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 41.5oC, alongside insect attacks, has significantly affected this year's mango blossoms. A grower from Chapainawabganj noted that the unusual weather conditions resulted in about 40 percent of mango trees not flowering, and unexpected rain in March damaged a significant portion of the remaining blossoms.
Additionally, mango hoppers have exacerbated the situation by damaging the fruits, leading to increased costs for growers in efforts to save the remaining produce. Ismail Khan Shamim, from the Shibganj Mango Producer Co-Operative Society, predicts a substantial drop in mango production in the district.
Source: newagebd.net