Mango buds are in bloom, and their sweet fragrance is taking over Meherpur. Photo: BSS

MEHERPUR, Feb 3, 2026 (BSS) - The sweet fragrance of mango buds is filling the air across Meherpur, signaling the arrival of spring as mango orchards burst into early signs of life.

Mango gardens across the district are now adorned with tender buds, their aroma mingling with the constant buzzing of bees. Under the warm sunlight, bees are seen flocking to the buds, creating a lively scene that reflects the onset of the Madhu Mash (honey month).

Mango farmers have been busy caring for their orchards since the beginning of the Bengali month of Magh. While buds have already appeared on most cultivated mango varieties, wild mango trees are yet to bloom. Typically, these buds emerge in mid-February.

To protect the delicate buds, orchard owners are taking various preventive measures, including spraying pesticides and closely monitoring weather conditions. Farmers fear that early-blooming buds may be damaged by fog, a common winter hazard.

Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said the prolonged severity of winter caused a slight delay in bud emergence this year. However, with winter intensity now declining, buds are appearing rapidly. They expect full blooming across all orchards by mid-Falgun.

The DAE also highlighted that Meherpur mangoes are renowned globally for their superior taste. Demand for mangoes from the district has spread nationwide and even reached European markets. The famous Himsagar mango of Meherpur has received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, further boosting demand and encouraging farmers to expand production.

According to sources, mango cultivation in Meherpur is growing steadily as it remains highly profitable. Mango orchards are being established on agricultural land every year. Popular varieties such as Himsagar, Langra, Gopalbhog, Khirsapati, Ashwina, Bombay and Tili Bombay thrive due to the district’s fertile soil. In addition, farmers are increasingly cultivating research-based varieties like Bari-3 and Bari-4, along with wild and hybrid mangoes. Some orchards are being developed for year-round mango production.

Bazlur Rahman, a mango farmer from Meherpur town, said buds appeared on mango trees during Magh this year, while wild varieties are expected to bud in Falgun. “Early buds are more vulnerable to fog damage, so I have been taking extra care of my orchard,” he said.

Abdur Rashid, a farmer from Pirojpur village in Meherpur Sadar upazila, told BSS that most mango trees have started budding as the cold has eased.

Sanjeev Mridha, Deputy Director of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said mango buds develop in three stages. “If the weather remains favorable, all trees will be filled with buds within this month,” he said, adding that late varieties, which ripen in July and August, are also being cultivated. He noted that initiatives are underway to ensure mango availability throughout the year in the future.

According to official data, mango orchards cover 2,361 hectares of land in Meherpur district. Last season, the district produced 38,177 metric tons of mangoes.