Rajshahi s Mango Harvest Faces Setback as Unseasonal Rain Damages Crops

Rajshahi, Bangladesh – The renowned mango orchards of Rajshahi, often called the mango capital of Bangladesh, are reeling from an unexpected blow this season as unseasonal rains and hailstorms in late April have damaged a significant portion of the crop, raising concerns among farmers and traders alike. The district, known for producing premium varieties such as Himsagar, Langra, and Fazli, typically sees a bountiful harvest from May to July, but this year’s weather pattern has disrupted the flowering and early fruiting stages, leading to substantial losses.

Local agricultural officials report that heavy downpours accompanied by strong winds struck the region over a two-day period, causing flowers to fall prematurely and young fruits to bruise or rot on the trees. According to preliminary estimates from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Rajshahi, at least 30% of the mango crop in some upazilas, including Bagha and Charghat, has been affected. “The rain came at a critical time when the fruits were just setting. Many trees have lost their blossoms, and the remaining fruits show signs of damage,” said Md. Rafiqul Islam, a DAE officer in Rajshahi.

Farmers, who had invested heavily in fertilizers and pesticides earlier this year, are now facing an uncertain future. Abdul Karim, a mango grower in the Paba upazila, expressed his distress: “I spent nearly Tk 1.5 lakh on my orchard this season, hoping for a good yield. Now, I may not even recover my costs. The rain has spoiled over half of my crop.” The situation is particularly grim for small-scale farmers who rely on mango sales as their primary income source.

The weather anomaly is not isolated to Rajshahi; it reflects broader climatic shifts affecting agricultural regions across Bangladesh. Meteorologists at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department note that unseasonal rain has become more frequent in recent years, likely linked to climate change. “We are seeing a pattern where pre-monsoon rains are arriving earlier and with greater intensity,” said Dr. Ayesha Khatun, a climate scientist. “This disrupts the flowering and fruiting cycles of mango trees, which require dry and sunny conditions during this period.”

Despite the setbacks, traders in Rajshahi’s largest fruit market, Khusi Market, remain cautiously optimistic. They believe that while the overall yield may drop, the quality of the surviving fruits could be high due to less competition and better care by farmers. “The market will see a price increase, but we are worried about supply shortages,” said Mohammad Ali, a wholesale trader. “We are already seeing fewer mangoes arriving from the orchards this week.”

The DAE has advised farmers to apply fungicides to prevent secondary infections on damaged fruits and to prune affected branches to encourage new growth. However, many farmers lack the resources to implement these measures. The government has not yet announced any compensation package, but local lawmakers have promised to raise the issue in parliament.

Rajshahi’s mango industry is a vital part of the local economy, contributing millions of takas annually and supporting thousands of families. The current crisis underscores the vulnerability of Bangladesh’s agriculture to erratic weather, a challenge that is likely to intensify as global temperatures rise. For now, farmers and traders are hoping that the remaining harvest will be enough to sustain the market through the season, but the outlook remains uncertain.