The mango orchards in Meherpur, especially those nurtured by the Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha, have been a visual delight for many. Stretching along the Meherpur-Chuadanga road, these expansive orchards were once a thriving hub for both mangoes and the bees that pollinate them. However, this year, the situation has changed dramatically.
The orchards, which last year were bustling with activity, now seem eerily quiet with no bees in sight. According to the Executive Director of the organization, mango blossoms have failed to appear despite diligent care and attention given to the trees.
The director explained that the phenomenon of “off-year” and “on-year” is common in mango fruiting cycles, and unfortunately, this year seems to be an off-year for mango production. However, he expressed concern that the lack of blossoms this year might signal a deeper environmental issue and mentioned that there seems to be no hope for blossoms in the near future.
This has raised alarms among environmentalists, as the absence of pollination could indicate potential shifts in the local ecosystem that could impact agricultural practices in the region.
