Chapainawabganj, known as the capital of mangoes, is now full of the fragrance of spring. Mango blossom has appeared on tree after tree and its sweet scent has spread all around. Thousands of mango farmers are busy hoping for a good crop, preparing orchards with care, balanced fertiliser, pesticide spraying and cleaning.

In Islampur, Baroghoria, Kansat and Monakosha in Sadar upazila, most orchards are covered in blossom. According to the agriculture department, mango orchards cover about 37,487 hectares in the district. Farmers say the blossom is satisfactory this year because of favourable weather.

But there are worries as well as prospects. Many are anxious about natural disasters, untimely storms and rain, and pest attacks. Farmers have been spraying regularly and controlling pests since the blossom appeared, and hope for a bumper crop if the weather helps. Orchard owners say production costs have risen because fertiliser and pesticide prices have gone up, so even with a good harvest they worry about getting fair prices.

Rafiqul Islam, a mango farmer in Shyampur union of Shibganj upazila, said: "I have been involved in mango growing and trading for 15 years. This time my orchard has various mango varieties suited to Shibganj upazila, notably Lakkhanbhog, Ashwina and Khirsapat."

He said most of the trees in his orchard are now full of blossom, and care and spraying are being done on time. He expects a good yield if the weather stays favourable.

Tarek Rahman, a mango farmer in Islampur union, said: "This season 60 trees in my orchard of about three bighas have blossomed. Because the trees are full of blossom this year, I have been taking extra care from the start: keeping the orchard clean, applying balanced fertiliser, arranging irrigation and spraying pesticide on time, so that the blossom does not drop and pest attacks are fewer."

He said there is more blossom than last year, but untimely storms, rain or hail could cause damage. So although he is somewhat worried about the weather, conditions are favourable so far, and if all goes well and prices are good he expects a good profit.

Dr Md Yasin Ali, deputy director of the DAE, said: "The blossom is in good condition this year. About 80 percent of trees have blossomed so far. Farmers are being advised regularly, and with proper care there is a chance of a good yield. The mango production target for this year has been set at about 4.5 lakh tonnes."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.