Heatwaves, drought lead to decline in mango production

In Bandarban, severe heatwaves, insect infestation, and irrigation crises have led to a decline in the yield of mango orchards. The scorching and rainless weather conditions have caused mango trees to bear fewer fruits. Presently, both small and large mangoes are falling prematurely. This has raised concerns of a decline in mango production across the district's seven upazilas.

In this situation, local farmers claim that despite spraying pesticides in mango orchards, the situation hasn't improved. To mitigate losses, orchard owners are resorting to selling raw mangoes.

During a recent visit to the orchards, it has been found that various mango-producing areas in Bandarban district such as Laimi Para, Gejmani Para, Saran Para, Faruk Para, Bosonto Para, Mrolong Para, Aampu Para, Waijungshan, Chimbrik, and Ruma-Thanchi road's various hilly villages are recognized as storage centers for different varieties of mangoes. Despite having ample mango trees in these villages, the actual mango yield is not proportional. Farmers attribute this to the severe heatwaves, drought, and lack of irrigation, causing premature shedding of mango blossoms and fruits.

Mrulang Para's mango grower, locally known as "Menle Mro," said he is facing mango drop due to severe heat and water scarcity. Compelled by circumstances, farmers are selling raw mangoes to pickers at Tk. 20/25 per kilogram. Fallen mangoes are being sold at Tk. 10/12 per kilogram.

He further said that to prepare pickles, hillside mango farmers are purchasing raw mangoes at Tk. 800 per maund from traders in Chittagong. To mitigate losses, they are selling raw mangoes.


Local mango growers from Chimbook Road's Basant Para and Renga Para's Lal Siam said that hopper and aphid pests are damaging mango orchards. Aphids are causing fruit rot. Therefore, pesticides are being sprayed for pest control. However, due to severe heat, mango buds are drying up, even in well-watered orchards. Mango trees are quickly dying in orchards where proper care is lacking.

Chittagong trader Najam Uddin said that Amrapali and Rangpurai varieties yield well in the hills. This year, mango trees in orchards were laden with fruit. Seeing the abundant crop, I bought orchards from the farmers at a high price. However, due to severe heat and drought, mango blossoms have fallen. Farmers who purchased orchards with advance money are facing extreme financial losses.

According to the Agriculture Department, during the current fiscal year (2023-24), mango cultivation has been carried out on 10,106 hectares of land in all seven upazilas of Bandarban district. The target production was set at 1,031,378 metric tons. Compared to last year, mango cultivation has increased by 100 hectares this time.

During the last fiscal year (2022-23), mango cultivation was conducted on 10,606 hectares of land in the district. The production amounted to 113,777 metric tons. In the preceding fiscal year (2021-22), mango cultivation covered 9,809 hectares of land, yielding 112,207 metric tons.

Regarding this, Mohammad Hasan Ali, Additional Deputy Director of Agriculture Extension Department in Bandarban, said that mango production has been adversely affected by drought and lack of rainfall. This year, the yield is expected to be lower compared to previous years. Additionally, the size of the mangoes is also smaller. The mango blossoms have dried up due to hot winds during the drought. Insufficient fertilization and water supply have resulted in inadequate mango production this year.