Rajshahi: As the winter season ends, tens of thousands of mango trees have started flowering in the Rajshahi region, famous nationwide for its delicious mango production. Farmers in the region are dreaming of a good harvest as mango orchards are filling up with blossoms. Abundant buds in the early stage predict excellent production, provided climatic conditions remain favourable until harvest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Rajshahi reported that mangoes were cultivated on 19,603 hectares of land in the 2024-25 fiscal year, producing 249,952 metric tons. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the cultivation target has again been set at 19,603 hectares, with a production target of 246,000 metric tons.
A notable abundance of early blossoms has been observed in Bagha, Charghat, and Puthia upazilas in Rajshahi. Farmers sprayed the necessary pesticides to protect the buds from diseases as per the advice of the local agriculture department. They said that if the weather remains favourable, they are expecting a bumper yield of early mangoes.
Muzaffar Hossain, a mango farmer from Kaluhati village of Charghat upazila, mentioned that this time, the buds appeared earlier in the garden. He expressed optimism for a massive mango harvest if the buds are not damaged by fog. Mahfuz Ali, another farmer from the Charghat area, emphasized the importance of year-round care for good yields. He noted that blossoms have already appeared on some trees, but stressed the need for controlling hoppers or sucking insects to prevent a decline in mango production.
Dr Shafiqul Islam, Chief Scientific Officer of Rajshahi Fruit Research Center, confirmed the early appearance of buds, noting that it will take more time to determine the full extent of budding. He expressed hope for more buds than last year, provided there is no significant damage from fog. Dr Islam also highlighted that farmers are being instructed to spray garden care drugs to enhance yields.
New mango orchards, especially of Amrapali and BARI Mango-3 and 4 varieties, are increasing rapidly in the districts every year. Naogaon, previously recognized for paddy cultivation, emerged as the highest mango-producing district last year, surpassing Chapainawabganj, which remains the district with the highest land coverage by mango orchards. According to DAE data, Naogaon saw a one-and-a-half-fold increase in mango farm acreage annually over the last 10 years, with an increase of 14,925 hectares, compared to 9,520 hectares in Chapainawabganj.
Mango farming is evolving, with farmers now targeting shorter-term orchards of around 10 years, instead of the traditional hundred-year timeframe.