Blossoms now adorn mango orchards across Cox’s Bazar, instilling hopes among growers for a bumper harvest this season.
Last year, many farmers in the district suffered losses due to irregular rainfall and an early heatwave. Inadequate understanding of shifting weather patterns led to premature blossom drop, pest infestations, and reduced yields. The financial setbacks left orchard owners disheartened.
This season, however, the situation appears markedly different. With early access to weather forecasts and more planned orchard management, farmers report healthier flowering and improved prospects.
According to the District Agricultural Extension Office, mango cultivation has taken place on 1,047 hectares of land in Cox’s Bazar this season, with a production target of 13,365 metric tonnes.
Officials concerned said that regular analysis of weather forecasts is being conducted, and advisory services are being provided to farmers at the field level. Alerts on possible heatwaves, cyclones, or untimely rainfall are being disseminated promptly via mobile messages and to agricultural officers, enabling farmers to make timely decisions on irrigation, spraying, and orchard care.
Kafil Uddin, a mango orchard owner from Ramu upazila, said he had suffered losses last year due to unplanned spraying and irrigation ahead of continuous rainfall.
“This year, I applied pesticides and managed irrigation after consulting the agriculture office and monitoring the weather. Considering temperature and humidity levels, we have taken proper care of the blossoms, and the flowering is much better,” he said.
Agriculture officials expressed optimism that if favourable weather conditions persist and diseases remain under control, Cox’s Bazar is likely to witness a strong mango yield this year — a development expected to contribute positively to the local economy.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
