\\\'Modern technology can make mango harvesting safe\\\'

RAJSHAHI, May 2 (BSS): Agricultural scientists and extension officials said promotion of modern technologies especially fruit bagging is very important for making the mango harvesting and marketing process safe.
So, fruit bagging technology needs to be promoted commercially in mango orchards in Rajshahi and Chapainawabgonj districts during the forthcoming pre-harvest season to protect mango from pest attack besides facilitating the farmers to get quality yield.
Mango is the leading seasonal cash crop of the country's northwest region and dominates the economy in the two districts famous for the delicious fruit.
They said there are about 3 million (30 lakh) mango trees of different ages and varieties on some 32,816 hectares in the region with creation of many more new mango orchards and increased mango farming in the homesteads in recent years.
If the bags were used substantially, use of harmful chemical insecticides and pesticides could be reduced to a greater extent on the huge trees.  Thereby, the technology will open up a new door of exporting mango of the two districts, to various foreign markets.
They were addressing a day-long farmers training titled "Modern Technology for Safe Mango Production" at Jonakipara village under Nachole Upazila in Chapinawabgonj district.
Agriculture Sustainable and Socio-Economic Development Organisation (ASSEDO) organized the practical training in association with Promoting Food Security and Livelihoods of Marginalized People of Barind Tract Project and Oxfam-Novib. More than 42 farmers, local service providers and traders joined the training.
Dr Saraf Uddin, Senior Scientific Officer of Regional Horticulture Research Center (RHRC) in Chapainawabgonj and Upazila Agriculture Officer Jahedul Haque conducted the training as resource persons.