Bangladesh, Sept. 1 -- Coconut production has declined by nearly 70 percent in Bauphal, a coastal upazila of Patuakhali, leaving many farmers frustrated as most trees are now producing little or no fruit.

While some local farmers blame radiation from mobile network towers for the decline, agricultural officials and experts have dismissed the claim, saying there is no scientific evidence to support it.

They attribute the production crisis mainly to climate change, rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and increased pest and disease attacks.

According to local farmers and the agriculture department, Bauphal was once renowned for coconut production.

Coconut trees laden with green and mature fruits could be seen in homesteads and comm...