Juicy litchis arrive in Lalmonirhat markets as Joishtho begins

With the arrival of Bangla month Joishtho, widely known as the 'Madhu Mash', juicy seasonal litchis have started appearing in markets across Lalmonirhat, bringing excitement among fruit lovers and traders alike.

Although prices remain relatively high due to limited early-season supply, traders expect rates to stabilise within the next few weeks as more varieties reach the market.

Local varieties of litchis are already being sold in different parts of the district, attracting buyers with their vibrant colour and sweet taste.

Seasonal vendors have set up temporary stalls at key points in the town, including BDR Gate, Mission More, Paurbazar, Goshala Bazar, Chandni Bazar, Haribhanga, the Bus Terminal, Railway Station and Court Bazar areas.

Currently, litchis are being sold at prices ranging from Taka 300 to Taka 600 per hundred, depending on size and quality. Traders said the comparatively higher prices are a result of low supply at the beginning of the season.

"Prices are expected to fall once popular varieties like Bombay and China-3 arrive in larger quantities," said local traders.

According to the District Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), China-3 (hybrid), Bombay and Madras varieties are highly popular in the region due to strong consumer demand and profitable returns for growers. As a result, farmers are increasingly turning to commercial litchi cultivation.

Litchi farmer Matiar Ali from the district Sadar area said he cultivated 20 litchi trees on one bigha of land and is expecting a good harvest this year.

"A five-year-old tree can produce between 100 and 150 kilograms of litchis, which can generate significant profit," he said.

Another grower, Ismail Hossain, said favourable weather conditions and lower disease incidence have boosted production prospects this season. He said that many rural households are also taking up small-scale litchi farming in their homesteads.

Local trader Ratul Hossain, who has been involved in the litchi business for more than eight years, said he and his brother are expanding their orchard area every year due to consistent profits.

Businessman Yasin Ali said he leased additional land this year to cultivate China-3, Bombay and Madras varieties. He added that workers are regularly maintaining the orchards and wholesale buyers from Dhaka have already started visiting gardens to purchase litchis directly.

Deputy Director of DAE Dr Md. Saikhul Arifin said litchi cultivation has been carried out on around 244 hectares of land across the district this season.

He added that high-yielding varieties are becoming increasingly popular in household courtyards as well.

"Suitable soil, favourable weather and profitable market prices are encouraging the rapid expansion of mango and litchi cultivation in Lalmonirhat," he said. "This is increasing farmers' incomes and contributing positively to the district's agricultural economy."