Mango farmers in Chapainawabganj district are bracing for potential losses this season, with significantly fewer buds observed on trees, particularly affecting larger trees amid challenging weather conditions.
This year's reduced bud bloom could mark the season as a mango-off year, a phenomenon where production alternates annually between high and low yields due to natural growth cycles and external factors.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources indicate that cold weather is to blame for the decreased number of mango buds in the district.
However, there is optimism that warmer temperatures could encourage more buds to bloom.
The region, known for its extensive mango orchards spanning 37,604 hectares, produced 443,625 metric tonnes of mangoes last year.
Mango bud formation typically occurs from early Magh to mid-Falgun, but this year's expected bloom has been hampered by the prevailing cold.
Mango farmer Abdur Rakib from Chapainawabganj municipality notes that diligent tree care can yield better bud production, even in an off year.
Yet, the cost of cultivation might outweigh profits due to the reduced number of buds.
Rakib also highlights the risk of natural calamities, which could further impact growers already facing low bud counts.
Mohammad Alam and Babu, fellow mango farmers, echoed concerns over this year's sparse bud formation, attributing their dismay to unfavorable weather conditions.
Despite substantial investments in mango plants, irrigation, fertilizers, and labor, growers face uncertainty in recouping their costs due to the lower bud yield.
Dr. Palash Sarkar, deputy director of DAE, attributes this year's low bud count to several factors, including the cyclical nature of mango production, aging trees with diminished capacity, and the adverse weather in February.
Currently, 65% of mango trees in the district have bloomed, with hopes that rising temperatures will improve this figure.
To mitigate potential losses, the DAE has advised farmers on best practices for nurturing their mango trees, aiming for a 70-75% bud bloom rate despite this year's challenges.