Spring has brought the mango orchards back to life. In Mohammadpur upazila of Magura, blossom has appeared on branch after branch of the mango trees, and farmers expect a good harvest this year if the weather stays favourable.

A tour of orchards across the upazila suggests a good yield is likely this year. Many farmers, however, have little experience of proper orchard care, but they are still doing what they can for a good result.

Orchard owners say that wherever they look they see blossom, and they hope the harvest will be very good. With the weather still favourable, farmers are hopeful, though storms, rain or pest attacks could still cause losses.

Sub-assistant agriculture officer Pranab Kumar Roy said: "Proper care at this stage is essential to get a good yield from the blossom. Agriculture officials have advised spraying in four stages: the first before the blossom appears, the second after the blossom appears but just before the flowers open, the third when the fruit begins to take shape, and the fourth when the mangoes reach marble size. Doing this increases the chance of a good yield."

Those involved also said that applying potash at the base of the tree, and humic acid as a micronutrient, when the young fruit sets improves fruit growth and quality.

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