Mango pulp is falling in Rajshahi region due to continuous heatwave. Many orchards have already lost at least 20 percent of their pods. Mango farmers and traders are worried.
Officials of the Rajshahi Fruit Research Center said that if the drought continues for a long time, the fruit will also drop. In that case the garden should be irrigated frequently.
Since the beginning of Baisakh, Rajshahi region is burning in heat. The roads are like a hot cauldron. On Sunday, the temperature rose to 41.5 degrees Celsius in Rajshahi; This is the highest temperature of the current season in the district.
In such a situation, a seven-day heat alert has been issued from Saturday across Rajshahi; Being warned by miking to stay healthy in the hot sun.
According to the Met Office, a mild heat wave is when the maximum day temperature is usually between 36 and 38 degrees Celsius. Between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius is called a moderate heat wave.
Besides, temperature between 40 to 42 degree Celsius is considered as severe heat wave. And when the temperature rises above 42 degrees Celsius, it is considered a severe heat wave.
Shahidul Islam, in-charge of Rajshahi Meteorological Office, said that severe heatwave has started in Rajshahi since April 17. The highest temperature recorded in Rajshahi that day was 40.2 degrees Celsius. April 18 was 39.2 degrees Celsius.
And on April 19, the maximum temperature of Rajshahi was recorded at 41 degrees Celsius and on April 20 it increased to 41.5 degrees Celsius. On Sunday too, the temperature was 41.5 degrees Celsius.
The official said that the temperature may continue for a few more days.
Mango farmers of Rajshahi region are worried in such hostile weather. Shariful Islam Kadu, a mango grower of the city’s Kharkhari Bypass, said, “The juice of the mangoes is drying up and turning yellow and falling off.
“Early in the season, the buds were quite good, but the first round was damaged by heavy fog and light rain. It is difficult to keep mangoes on the tree in the drought that is going on after that.”
Entaj Ali of Kashiadanga said, “Mangoes need rain at this time. Due to lack of rain, the size of mangoes will be quite small this time. Production will also decrease with that. Since there are no mangoes on the trees, the prices will go up from the beginning of the season.”
Shafiqul Islam, Chief Scientific Officer of Rajshahi Fruit Research Center advises to spray water and wash the trees every day to protect the mango fruit.
He said, “Many gardens have already lost at least 20 percent of their pods due to the intense heat. Adverse weather will hamper target acquisition. Irrigation is necessary to prevent goiter. If there is no irrigation system, at least water should be sprayed on the plants in the morning or evening.”
Shafiqul Islam said that 93 thousand 266 hectares of land have been cultivated in these four districts of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon and Natore. Last year, a total of 12 lakh 7 thousand 263 tons of mangoes were produced in this region.
Umme Salma, Assistant Director of Rajshahi District Agriculture Extension Department, said that officials have been instructed to maintain contact with farmers to maintain mango pulp to combat drought in all upazilas. They are giving necessary advice to mango farmers.
