Mango trees in Rajshahi started growing fruit buds in early March as the officials predict a huge mango harvest this season across the region, worth about Tk 100 billion.
Traders believe that further economic benefits could be realised if the processing of mangoes from the eight districts of the division ; Chapainawabganj, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Natore, Bogura, Pabna, Rajshahi, and Sirajganj into various products and their export process were facilitated.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agricultural Extension research institutes are providing various suggestions to orchard owners and traders to ensure a good harvest.
Mango orchards in Naogaon are known to be the top mango-producing area in the country. This year, mango buds have started to appear on the trees soon due to lower fog levels.
The agriculture department expects if the weather is good, these mango harvests of Naogaon should produce 430,000 tons from 30,500 hectares of orchards, Chapainawabganj 386,000 tons from 37,500 hectares, and Rajshahi 260,000 tons from 19,600 hectares.
Masudur Rahman Rinku, President of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce, said,''The market value of the mangoes targeted for production in the eight districts of the division is approximately Tk 100 billion."
Sujit Kumar Biswas, chief scientific officer of Rajshahi Fruit Research Institute, said,''Regular irrigation and pesticide application are being advised to prevent mango buds from falling off due to intense sunlight.''
FA/NSA
