Naogaon, one of Bangladesh's leading mango-producing districts, is set for a record-breaking season, with mango production expected to reach a staggering Tk 3,500 crore this year.

The district's orchards are witnessing a surge in mango blossoms, indicating a bumper harvest. Experts and farmers are optimistic that the weather conditions, which have been mostly favourable, will support the high production levels anticipated for this season.

The area under mango cultivation in Naogaon has increased by 200 hectares, bringing the total to 30,500 hectares in 2025, compared to 30,300 hectares in the previous year. With production expected to increase by 25,000 metric tonnes compared to last year, this year's mango yield is estimated to reach 450,000 metric tonnes, a significant rise from the previous year's production of 425,000 metric tonnes.

Farmers in Naogaon are hopeful for a bumper harvest, following a smaller yield last year. The natural cycle of mango production suggests that after a low harvest, a larger yield is typically expected in the following season. This year, almost all the trees in the orchards have sprouted blossoms, and farmers are taking proactive steps to protect them from fungal attacks. They are spraying fungicides and pesticides on the blossoms, watering the base of the trees, and, in some cases, spraying water to help nurture the crop.

As the blossoms start to form, traders and middlemen have already entered the fields to take advantage of the expected surge in mango production. These seasonal traders are negotiating with orchard owners to buy mango gardens for the upcoming harvest. Over the past few days, as the mango buds have started to form, traders have begun serious discussions with growers regarding buying and selling orchards.

According to the Naogaon Agricultural Extension Directorate, mango cultivation in the district has grown this year, with over 30,500 hectares dedicated to mango orchards. Last year, this area was slightly smaller at 30,300 hectares. The target for mango production in 2024 was set at 431,000 metric tonnes, but the final production was 425,000 metric tonnes. This year, however, the district is on track to produce 450,000 metric tonnes, assuming the weather remains favourable.

Sapahar and Porsha upazilas are the primary mango-producing areas, with Niamatpur Patnitola, Dhamoirhat, and Badalgachi also making notable contributions to the region's mango output. Naogaon is known for producing a variety of high-quality mangoes, including Nag Fajli, Langra, Am Rupali, Gopalbhog, Ashwina, Katimon, BARI Mango-4, BARI Mango-11, Guti Mango, and Fajli, all of which have strong domestic and international demand.

Sohel Rana, a young agricultural entrepreneur from the Godownpara area of Sapahar upazila, has three mango orchards spread over 200 bighas of land. He sells mangoes locally and exports them abroad. Sohel said that last year, only 50-60% of the trees in his orchard bore blossoms. This year, however, 80% of his trees have blossomed, and he expects all trees to bloom within the next 15-20 days. With favourable weather conditions so far, Sohel remains hopeful for a bumper harvest. He is also taking preventive measures by spraying fungicides to protect his crop from fungal infections, especially given the potential for misty weather.

Raihan Alam, a mango grower from the Barogram area of Porsha upazila, reflects on the earlier-than-usual blossoms this year. Last year, cold weather delayed the appearance of mango blossoms by 15-20 days, and many trees did not bloom until mid-March. This year, however, the blossoms appeared much earlier, and Raihan is hopeful for a good harvest if the weather continues to be favourable.

Abul Kalam Azad, deputy director of the Naogaon District Agricultural Extension Directorate, said that while mango blossoms typically fail to form when temperatures remain below 15°C for extended periods, the weather this year has remained more temperate. The average temperature has hovered around 20°C, which is ideal for mango cultivation. However, the presence of mist in recent days raises concerns about fungal attacks, and the department has advised farmers to spray fungicides to safeguard their crops.

Should the weather remain favourable and natural disasters be avoided, Naogaon's mango orchards are expected to produce mangoes worth approximately Tk 3,500 crore this year. This projected bumper harvest will provide a significant boost to the region's economy, further cementing Naogaon's reputation as one of the top mango-producing districts in Bangladesh.