Sudden Falgun rain has fallen in Chapainawabganj, and mango growers fear widespread damage to blossom in their orchards.

Growers say rain at this time is very harmful to mango trees in blossom. It could reduce the yield, and the young fruit could rot.

Heavy rain fell in Chapainawabganj at around 10pm on Sunday (15 March), causing trouble for people heading home. But it is mango growers who fear the greatest loss.

Iman Ali, a resident of the Chapainawabganj municipal area, said he was caught in the rain on his way home at around 10pm and reached home soaked half an hour later.

Shariful Islam of Islampur union said mango trees are now full of blossom, and some have already started setting fruit. Rain at this time will do great damage to the blossom, he said.

Hafiz Hossain of Alinagar union said the trees in his orchard are laden with blossom, with Lakkhanbhog the most common variety, and many are carrying flowers and blossom at this time. The sudden rain may ruin the blossom and could badly affect the orchard's yield.

Dr Md Yasin Ali, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Chapainawabganj, said sudden Falgun rain like this usually comes towards the end of winter. Although the rain is somewhat beneficial for soil and crops, it can affect flowering trees such as mango. Farmers have already been alerted, and some necessary advice will be given to reduce possible damage.

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