Md. Mafiz Uddin Sarker, Rangpur

In the current season, farmers in Rangpur region are seeing golden dreams in the folds of mango buds. They are hoping for bumper yield due to favorable weather.Farmers in Rangpur region are weaving dreams in mango buds.

It is mentioned that in the current season, various varieties of sweet mangoes have been cultivated on about 6,300 hectares of land in the 5 districts of Rangpur region, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Gaibandha. This time, the target for mango production has been set at about 93,000 metric tons. In the current mango season, mango buds have bloomed in abundance on the trees. The sweet scent of those buds is floating in the air.

The minds of the farmers are also becoming overwhelmed with joy with that scent. Although there was fog at the beginning of the season, the natural environment is now very favorable. Farmers in the Rangpur region are dreaming of mango buds full of branches. In the past few years, the quality of life of farmers in this region has changed with the cultivation of various varieties of mango, including the sweet Haribhanga.

The entire region is blessed and filled with the sweet smell of buds and the humming sound of bees. The golden dreams of the farmers are embedded in the folds of the buds. In a few days, the stomach of the buds will burst open and mango seeds of various sizes and green color will come out. Mango farmers are delighted with the golden dreams of the future.

After visiting various mango gardens on the spot, it was seen that the dazzling display of buds across the gardens of the vast area, the beautiful and familiar natural scene will sway anyone's mind. Mango farmers are now spending their time busy taking care of their mango gardens, thinking about their golden dreams.

Farmers said that they have started taking necessary precautions as a precautionary measure to deal with natural damage to mangoes. They are taking all necessary precautions including spraying, watering the base of the tree, sprinkling water, and ensuring the stability of the buds. If the winter is too cold, the mango buds and small mangoes may be damaged. If these buds survive, the mango yield will be good.

Again, the price of mangoes in advance will also be available. Since the mango yield in the districts including Rangpur metropolis was low last year, mango farmers are hoping for a better yield this time.

In various areas including Palichada, Shyampur, Laherihat of Rangpur Sadar Upazila, Gopalpur, Padaganj, Paikarerhat, Ruposhi, Ranipukur, Moulvibazar, Sardarpara of Mithapukur Upazila, it was seen on the spot that buds have bloomed on the trees, which is spreading fascination. The sweet scent of buds is floating in the air. Although there is fog at the beginning of the season, nature is also quite favorable now. This time, the mango buds are full of buds and there is a possibility of a good yield. Farmers in different areas are taking necessary care of the mango buds. Shahabul Islam, a mango farmer from Kachcha Bari Nayapara village of Lohanipara union in Badarganj upazila, said that sufficient buds have come in every mango garden. If there is no natural disaster, he will be able to sell mangoes worth several lakhs of taka.

Badarganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Selina Afroz said that mangoes have been cultivated on 558 hectares of land in Badarganj upazila this time. If the weather is favorable, she is hoping for a bumper mango yield. Agricultural officials in the concerned area say that some trees are budding ahead of time. The buds of other mangoes including Haribhanga have come early this time. There is no danger of any loss.
According to the information of the Department of Agricultural Extension, mangoes were cultivated on 6,189 hectares of land in 5 districts of Rangpur region last year. The production target was set at about 84,874 metric tons of mangoes. However, the desired target was not achieved. This time, mangoes have been cultivated on about 6,300 hectares of land in this region.

The target has been set at 92,835 metric tons of mangoes. However, in Rangpur, the origin of Haribhanga, 1,910 hectares of land was cultivated last year. The Agriculture Department hopes that it will be more this year. Farmers say that the characteristic of Haribhanga mango is that it yields more one year, and then less the next year, which is normal. They said that they have to sell their mango orchards in advance to traders every year due to low prices. However, if government facilities and cold storage are provided, they will make a profit by selling mangoes.

Nur Hossain, a farmer from Padaganj area of Mithapukur, said that the mango buds are good this time. If the weather is favorable, a bumper harvest will be obtained. Hamidur Rahman from Elahi More Chawkbazar area of the same upazila said that the Padaganj area is famous for mangoes including Haribhanga. If the farmers get the right price, they will make more profit. However, there is no loss. Minjarul Islam of Ranipukur area said, this time the mango has good buds. More than last year. If taken care of properly, it will yield good yield. I hope that if the weather conditions are favorable, it will be profitable. Mehedi Hasan, a mango trader from Sadar Upazila, said, I have planted the garden in advance in the hope of good profit. Although there is hope of profit, I am skeptical about the yield.

Mohammad Riaz Uddin, Deputy Director of Rangpur District Department of Agricultural Extension, said that the target of mango cultivation in 8 upazilas of Rangpur district has been set at 3,345 hectares of land. Of this, Haribhanga mango has been cultivated in 1,910 hectares of land. I hope that if the care is good, the next bud will yield as expected. He said that the Department of Agriculture is providing necessary advice to the farmers in the mango orchard area.

Mohammad Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director (Acting) of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Rangpur Region, said that mangoes have been cultivated on about 6,300 hectares of land in 5 districts of Rangpur region this time. The popular Haribhanga mango and other varieties of mangoes are in full bloom in this region. Haribhanga mango has already been recognized as a GI product. This has created a huge demand for this mango at home and abroad. Among the districts of Rangpur, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Gaibandha, Rangpur district is the most cultivated.