Mango growers in Rajshahi are heading into the peak season with cautious optimism, as orchards across the region show strong fruit setting despite rising temperatures and pest pressure.
Ripe mangoes are expected to reach markets within the next month, with farmers and traders hoping to recover losses from last year, when untimely rainfall damaged a significant portion of the crop and pushed prices down.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), mango orchards across Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore and Chapainawabganj span 92,552 hectares, with an estimated 349.6 million trees. The production target for the current season has been set at 1.198 million metric tons, valued at around Tk 11,147 crore.
Officials say early indicators are positive, with around 90% of trees producing buds this season. However, farmers report that drought conditions and pest infestations are causing increased fruit drop in several areas.
High temperatures have added further pressure on orchards. Rajshahi recorded 40°C on April 22, while the region has been experiencing sustained heat of 36°C to 37°C over the past two weeks, raising concerns over fruit quality and retention.
Growers in key producing zones such as Bagha and Charghat say orchard management has intensified this season, with increased focus on irrigation and pest control. Export-oriented growers are also closely monitoring conditions.
“Fruit setting has been encouraging, but prolonged heat and pest attacks could still affect yields,” said Asafuddaula, owner of Sadi Enterprise, a mango exporter based in Bagha. He noted that fruit flies and scale insects remain major threats in orchards.
Farmers also report visible damage in some areas. Touhidur Rahman Parvez from Godagari said mangoes are drying, blackening and dropping prematurely due to heat stress and insect attacks. “Even with controlled pesticide use, it has been difficult to fully protect the crop,” he said.
In Puthia, farmer Asif Iqbal, who cultivates 72 mango varieties, said hopper insects, borers and drought conditions are affecting fruit development. He added that farmers with access to irrigation and timely spraying are managing comparatively better outcomes.
Despite these challenges, optimism remains. Sirajul Haque from Paba said most trees have produced fruit this year, calling it a positive sign for the season. “If the weather remains stable, we expect a good harvest,” he said.
Export performance also offers some encouragement. In FY2024–25, Bangladesh exported mangoes worth around Tk 408.9 million to markets including Germany, the UK, Sweden, Italy, Kuwait, the UAE and Canada, at an average price of Tk 93 per kilogram.
Officials at the Department of Agricultural Extension remain hopeful. Additional Director Dr Azizur Rahman said some heat-related fruit drop is normal, but overall production prospects remain strong. Dr Md Shafiqul Islam, chief scientific officer at the Rajshahi Fruit Research Center, also said favourable early conditions and improved orchard care have created a positive outlook.
With orchards heavily laden and farmers stepping up care, Rajshahi’s mango season is shaping up with cautious optimism—though much will depend on how the weather behaves in the coming weeks.