BSS, Rajshahi :Mango production is likely to suffer a setback in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts, famous for mango production, this year as immature mangoes are falling off trees due to a drought like situation which has been prevailing in the region for long.This year the production of mangoes is likely to decrease as a remarkable number of mango trees in mango orchards have no fruits on them. Even the trees those borne mangoes last year are showing remarkably less yield.Expressing apprehension a number of growers said despite massive sprouting in the very beginning of the season, production of mango might fall this year due to scanty rainfall which caused massive dropping of growing mangoes.Sources said, buds are getting dry and feeble resulting massive falling of growing mangoes caused by adverse weather condition extreme heat in the day and winter season like cold at night.According to mango growers, rain is a must at the end at this stage March and April for mangoes to grow bigger but unfortunately the region witnessed no rain during the time, consequently huge quantities of immature mangoes are coming off the trees.Mango growers Golam Mostofa, Monzur Hossain and Abul Kalam Azad of Rajshahi district said at the initial stage they became delighted to see huge flowering and sprouting of mangoes and also hoped for a bumper yield of mango this season. But lack of rain for the last few months dashed their hopes, they added.However, the farmers are busy taking care and spraying insecticides on mango trees to achieve good production.Mukhlesur Rahman, a mango orchard owner of Kansat village in Shibgonj Upazila of Chapainawabgonj, said he earned good profit by selling mangoes last year. But this year he is much worried as he might not get expected yield of mangoes due to prolonged drought.Local DAE office sources said, prolonged drought like situation forced a massive falling of flowers and immature fruits from March to April consequently the production target of the popular fruit might not be attained during the current season.Horticulturist Dr Saifur Rahman said due to drought like situation mango buds are drying up and becoming weak. The immature fruits are not getting enough water as trees are consuming most of it in its osmosis process which is forcing a massive dropping of mangoes. He advised the growers to sprinkle adequate water on mangoes to help them grow bigger Meanwhile, the sources concerned apprehended that the mango price will go higher this season in the wake of the adverse situation.
