DUMURIA, KHULNA, May 15: Farmers in Dumuria Upazila of Khulna are witnessing a bumper production of mangoes this season, with orchards across the area now filled with hanging fruit, bringing smiles to growers' faces after a period of adverse weather.
Local mango orchards in different unions are now adorned with popular varieties such as Langra, Himsagar, Amrapali and Mollika. Farmers said they are hopeful for both good yield and favourable market prices this season.
According to sources at the upazila Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), the soil and climate of Dumuria are highly suitable for mango cultivation. Officials said production is expected to exceed the target this year, with Amrapali and Himsagar trees particularly bearing heavy fruit loads.
Farmer Atiar Rahman Sardar of Tipna Village under Khornia Union said that unlike last year, fruit drop was minimal this season due to favourable weather conditions. "Regular care, timely guidance from the agriculture office and effective pest control have helped us this year," he said, adding that the bumper harvest is expected to compensate for losses in previous years if no natural disaster occurs.
DAE officer, Agriculturist Md Nazmul Huda, said farmers are increasingly adopting modern cultivation methods. The DAE is providing regular training and technical support, while fruit bagging techniques are gaining popularity to ensure safe and quality mango production.
He added that farmers are now waiting for the mangoes to ripen, and commercial harvesting is expected to begin within a few weeks. The produce will be supplied to different parts of the country after meeting local demand.
The agriculture office said that while the exact production figures will depend on weather conditions until the end of the season, favourable climate has created expectations of surplus production beyond local demand.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sabita Sarkar has also encouraged mango growers at different times, advising them to avoid harmful chemicals and formalin in fruit production to ensure safe consumption.
She urged farmers to move beyond traditional practices and expand commercial cultivation of improved mango varieties such as Katimon and Banana Mango, noting that proper cultivation techniques could significantly contribute to the local economy.
