Mango fruitlets have started to appear on trees across the Rajshahi region, giving farmers fresh hope for a strong harvest after an early season of healthy blossoms. In many orchards, almost every tree has flowered this year, and growers say the signs look better than last season. The Department of Agricultural Extension has set a mango cultivation target of 92,552 hectares across Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon and Natore, with a production goal of about 12.5 lakh tonnes from more than 34.9 million mango trees in the region. Farmers and officials say the weather has been mostly kind so far, and they are hopeful that the region could see a bumper crop if no major storm or heavy damage arrives later in the season. A visit to orchards in Godagari and Paba upazilas shows that many trees have already begun forming fruitlets, although some orchards are still at the flowering stage. Farmers are also watching for hopper insects, which can harm blossoms if not controlled in time. Local growers say they are working hard to care for the trees every day, pruning, monitoring and spraying when needed so the flowers do not fall too early. Some farmers, especially those who supply fruit to exporters, say this year feels special because the blossoms have appeared on nearly all trees at once. Officials say the season is an “on year” for mango production, which often means better fruiting in many orchards. At the same time, they point out that mango trees that gave a heavy crop last year may naturally produce fewer fruits this year, so careful management still matters. Fog in the early morning remains a concern because it can weaken blossoms and fruitlets during this delicate stage. Scientists also note that mango trees do best in warm weather, but very high heat during flowering can also create problems. With daytime temperatures rising and nights still cool, farmers are being urged to stay alert and protect the orchards from stress, insects and disease. Even with these risks, the mood in the mango belt is positive, as growers expect the early fruitlet stage to lead to a better harvest, stronger sales and a good season for the region’s famous mango industry.
