The hailstorm on Sunday has caused damage to crops in Rajshahi and Kushtia, but at the same time it has benefited mango trees.
In Rajshahi, officials of Fruit Research Centre have told farmers not to worry as this year’s mango production will be fine.
However, farmers are worried as the rain has caused damage to the mango blossoms and a huge number fell down from the trees in various locations of Rajshahi.
A mango farmer, Shahidul Islam, said: “Due to many mango blossoms falling, because of the rain, I have to incur a huge loss this year. Another farmer, Shamsul Haque, reiterated the same.
Meanwhile, the rain has caused damage to many crops in the region. Mainly onion farmers are the ones who have been mostly affected for it.
Rajshahi Fruit Research Centre Scientist, Dr Abdul Alim, said: “Mango grows in hostile weather Even though many blossoms have fallen from the trees, a good deal of mangos will be seen this year, so farmers should not worry about losses.”
17mm of rain was recorded during the 38 minute storm.
Rajshahi Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director, Shamsul Haque, said that due to the rain, onion, wheat, garlic and mango were mostly affected.
In Kushtia, according to District Agricultural Extension office, in Sadar upazila, 620 hectares of corn, 10 hectares garlic, 50 hectares of wheat, 100 hectares of lentils, 40 hectares of triticum aestivus, and five hectares of banana were affected.
The crops are damaged in Kushtia by the hailstorm occured on Sunday, February 17, 2019 | Dhaka Tribune
In Mirpur upazila, 500 hectares of tobacco, 30 hectares of corn, four hectares of garlic, 26 hectares of wheat, 22 hectares of lentils, and 2 hectares of bananas were affected.
A farmer from Sadar upazila, Apan Mahmud, said: “I will suffer from losses as my lentil field was badly affected.”
Meanwhile, Aburi Magura Secondary School Principal, Abdul Mannan, said: “The hailstorm has caused damage to our school’s steel roof, with many holes because of it.”
Kushtia Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director, Bibhuti Bhushan, said: “We will notify our superiors about the damages farmers are facing due to the rain. If the government provides any support, we will give it to the affected farmers.”
