Mango farmers cheerful for early blossoms; but downbeat for cold

Mango growers in Rajshahi are optimistic as early blossoms have begun appearing in orchards even before the end of winter, raising hopes for a good harvest this season.

However, persistent cold weather combined with dense fog has also triggered concern over possible disease outbreaks that could threaten the delicate blooms.

Across mango-growing areas of Paba upazila and orchards along the Padma riverbanks in Rajshahi city, farmers have noticed early budding in several varieties, including local indigenous mangoes as well as Bari-4, Bari-11, Amrapali, Ashwina and Langra.

In some orchards, 50 to 70 per cent of trees have already produced blossoms, a development many growers view as a positive sign for the upcoming mango season.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), mango cultivation in Rajshahi covered 19,603 hectares of land during the 2024-25 fiscal year, producing 249,952 tonnes of fruit.

For the 2025-26 season, the cultivation target remains unchanged at 19,603 hectares, with a projected output of 246,000 tonnes.

Despite the encouraging signs, growers remain worried; as dense fog and prolonged cold spells could cause fungal infections and pest attacks on mango blossoms. To protect the early blooms, farmers are spending long hours in their orchards carrying out intensive care measures, including irrigation, fertiliser application, weed removal, soil loosening, and spraying fungicides and pesticides.

Paba upazila mango grower Shahriar Sayem said many blossoms were lost last season due to fog-related diseases. "That experience has made us more cautious this year. Timely irrigation and spraying will help strengthen the blossoms and improve the chances of a good yield," he said.

Another grower, Rabiul Islam Rabi, noted that although fog levels are relatively high this winter, weather conditions remain favourable so far. "We have learned from last year and are taking preventive steps earlier than usual," he added.

The appearance of early blossoms has also drawn the attention of seasonal orchard traders and middlemen, who have started visiting mango gardens to assess potential purchases. However, large-scale buying and selling have yet to peak up, as traders remain cautious until weather conditions stabilise.

Rajshahi Mango Traders Association President Saiful Islam said early flowering is generally a positive indicator but warned that fog, storms or unseasonal rain could still cause damage.

"Ultimately, everything depends on how the weather behaves over the next few months," he said.

Experts say the blossoms are still in an early stage. Rajshahi Fruit Research Centre Chief Scientific Officer Dr Shafiqul Islam explained that peak flowering usually occurs in February and March. "If proper orchard management and disease control measures are taken from now on, yields can be good. So far, the weather remains favourable," he said.

DAE Deputy Director Md Nasir Uddin said field-level officers are providing regular guidance to farmers. He noted that mango trees should receive pesticide treatment at least twice a year. "Last year, average yield was about 12.7 tonnes per hectare. This season, we aim to raise it slightly to 12.8 tonnes per hectare," he added.

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