Khulna: A bumper harvest of mangoes is predicted for the current season, as mango trees have bloomed abundantly, delighting farmers across Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Narail districts in the Khulna agricultural region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reported that with the arrival of spring, mango trees in both gardens and homesteads have taken on a remarkable yellow hue and have blossomed with buds. Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of DAE Khulna region, stated that farmers have already begun tending to their blossoming mango trees, anticipating excellent yields and greater profits this season.
It is noted that about 80 percent of mango trees have already bloomed, with 90 percent expected to sprout by the second week of March. The flowering process has commenced on time, despite the moderate to long winter, as the current climate is highly suitable for this process.
Rafiqul Islam highlighted that hundreds of farmers have ventured into commercial mango cultivation in the four districts, spurred by past bumper harvests and lucrative mango prices. This season, around 7,740 hectares of land are likely to be dedicated to mango cultivation, with an estimated production of over 112,516 tonnes of mangoes.
Farmers are primarily cultivating popular varieties such as ‘Gobindavog’, ‘Gopalvog’, ‘Gopalkhas’, BARI-4, BARI-11, Harivanga, ‘Kachamitha’, ‘Bombai’, ‘Lata’, ‘Fazli’, ‘Mallika’, ‘Gourmoti’, ‘Himsagor’, ‘Lengra’, ‘Amrapali’, ‘Ashwini’, ‘Katimon’, ‘Bananamango’, and ‘Mohonvog’. Notably, the Gobindavog, Gopalvog, and Gopalkhas mangoes are first produced in Satkhira, contributing significantly to the economic upliftment of the region.
Rafiqul Islam praised DAE officials for their support to farmers, advising them on proper care during flowering and pest control measures. He expressed optimism that favorable climatic conditions, with minimal temperature fluctuations, rainfall, and pest attacks over the next three months, would result in a good mango structure and bumper yield.
Farmers Mahin Molla, Shaban Mahmud, and Abdul Awal from Ashashuni upazila in Satkhira shared their experiences of cultivating Gobindavog, Gopalvog, and Gopalkhas mangoes on 12 acres. They anticipate a bumper production this season and expect net profits ranging from Taka 10 to 15 lakh, after deducting farming expenses.
Orchard owner Shahabuddin from the same upazila is also hopeful for a bountiful yield. He has seen excellent returns over the past decade from his mango orchard, where five laborers are employed to care for the blooming trees diligently.