Rangpur Correspondent :
Mango production is likely to suffer a setback in Rangpur Division this year as immature mangoes are falling off trees due to a drought- like situation which has been prevailing in the region for long.
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 of March 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 Anisur Rahman, Mofakkharul of Mithapukur upazila and Saiful at Badarganj upazila in Rangpur district told The New Nation 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.
Abdus Salam a mango orchard owner of Podaganj area under Mithapukur upazila told T N N last year he earned good profit by selling Haribhanga variet of mangoes. But this year he is much worried as he might not get expected yield of mangoes due to prolonged drought, he also said. DAE Rangpur 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 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.
