The mango farmers and orchard owners of Jhenaidah are expecting better yield this season as the attack of pest and insects was least. However, they have been facing troubles when the excessive heat wave have been affecting the immature mango. Immature mangos are falling off trees due to the hot weather.
Rabiul Islam, a farmer of Solemanpur village in Kotchandpur upapzila, said that he has been nursing 25 plants of mango at his home. But the immature mangos are cracked and dropping on the ground every day, he said.
Another farmer said the area of mango farming is increasing in the upzila every year when the farmers are reaping better from the fruit. The bagging method have shown the ray of hope before the farmers, he added.
The farmers of Moheshpur upazila said usually the farmers are engaged in mango production without any specific planning. The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) have been arranging training and workshop for the farmers and orchard owners on fruit and plant management. A number of farmers were provided the training and workshop and managing their plants in scientific way.
A source of the DAE in Jhenidah said that the farmers of the district brought a total of 2,775 hectares of land under mango cultivation.
According to the DAE, a total of 580 hectares of land were brought under mango cultivationin Jhenidah Sadar, while 360 hectares in Kaliganj, 710 hectares in Kotchandpur, 480 hectares in Moheshpur, 405 hectares in Sailkupa and remaining 240 hectares in Harinakundu.
It is expected to offer over 44,000 tons of mango this season. The farmers produced 43,257 tons of mango last year, DAE sources said.
GM Abdur Rauf, Deputy Director of the DAE in Jhenidah, said that they have been advising the people to avoid major loss in the drought. He also said the farmers of the district are aware on their own interest as they have been playing vital role in producing huge, paddy, betel leaf, maize, banana and some other crops. But a number of the farmers in the district are not aware enough on managing the mango plants or orchard.
He also said that the DAE’s training workshop will strengthen socio-economic base of farmers and also help produce quality and poison-free fruits for the nation.
