Mango Production Expected to Increase Across Madhesh Province This Year

Janakpurdham. There is a possibility of increased mango production in various districts of Madhesh Province this year. Dr. Ramchandra Yadav, Chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Center Dhanusha, stated that the production is anticipated to rise due to the profuse blossoming of mango trees since the beginning of the month of Falgun.

According to him, although there might be a slight decrease in paddy production, mango cultivation is expected to bring good income to farmers this time. Dhanusha, Siraha, and Saptari districts, in particular, are renowned for mango cultivation. Thousands of farmers in the northern areas along the East-West Highway are engaged in commercial mango farming, while mango production in the southern belt of Madhesh is still traditional.

The demand for mangoes produced in Madhesh Province is extremely high in major cities across the country, including Kathmandu and Pokhara. Local farmers mention that because of this high demand, traders often lease entire orchards as soon as the flowers bloom.

According to agricultural statistics, mango cultivation covers approximately 42,773 hectares nationwide, with about 29,099 hectares dedicated to mango farming in Madhesh Province alone.

The Agriculture Knowledge Center data shows that Siraha district produces the highest yield at 104,676 metric tons of mangoes, while Parsa produces the least at 4,731 metric tons. Statistics indicate that approximately 77.1 percent of the total production comes from Madhesh Province.

However, the risk of diseases and pests affecting mangoes remains. According to Ramchandra Yadav, Chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Center Dhanusha, the problem of flower drop is often caused by pests like the 'Madhuwa'. He advised that it is necessary to apply appropriate pesticides before flowering and again when small fruits start appearing.

In Dhanusha district, areas including Dhanusha Municipality, Mithila Municipality, Shweshwarnath Municipality, and Charnath Municipality are considered 'pocket areas' for mango production. Mango fairs are also organized every year in the Bageshwar area.

Jyoti Jha, a farmer from Narayan Municipality-5, Dhanusha, stated that the mango flowering this year is very good. He said, 'There are many flowers this time. But there is also a possibility of them dropping. If the weather remains favorable, we are confident that production will be higher than in previous years.'

Rahman Kawari from Matiyani Municipality-3, Mahottari, noted that the mango flowering is better this year compared to the last year. Recounting past experiences where he had to sell mangoes cheaply due to a lack of proper market access after harvesting, he expressed hope for state support in market management.

Agricultural experts anticipate a significant increase in mango production in Madhesh Province this year, provided that timely disease control, proper care, and favorable weather conditions prevail.