Dinajpur lychees set to hit markets next week
Lychees from Dinajpur to arrive in markets in a few days. Photo: Agamir Somoy
Clusters of lychees in shades of red, pink and green are hanging among green leaves, while farmers spend sleepless nights caring for the orchards as the fruit nears harvest. In a few days, fresh, juicy lychees will enter the market.
The Madrazi variety of lychee is expected to reach the market between May 15 and 18, said Md. Azamul Haque, Deputy Director of the Dinajpur Horticulture Centre, speaking to Agamir Somoy.
Data from the District Agricultural Extension Department show that lychee has been cultivated this year on 5,484 hectares of land. Across 13 upazilas of the district, there are 10,066 orchards. The production target has been set at 37,500 tons, with an estimated market value of around Tk 10 billion.
The district grows several varieties of lychee, including Madrazi, Bedana, Hariya Bedana, Bombay, China-3, China-2, Kathali and Mozaffari. Lychee cultivation is spread across almost all parts of the district. However, major production hubs include Masimpur, Ghugudanga and Ulipur in Sadar upazila; Madhabbati, Karla, Rabipur, Rajarampur, Maheshpur, Bathat and Raniganj in Biral; Golapganj and Kachinia in Khansama; Sonka in Birganj; and Currenthat in Chirirbandar. Farmers’ interest in lychee cultivation has been increasing due to the suitability of sandy loam soil in these areas.
Abdul Jalil, a lychee grower from Palpara village in Dinajpur Sadar, said harvesting of the Madrazi variety will begin within the next 10 days. “I have 10 Madrazi lychee trees in my orchard. If everything goes well, I will bring the fruit to market within next week. I expect higher profits than last year,” he said.
Md. Azamul Haque also said that the Madrazi variety arrives in the market first, followed by Bedana and Bombay varieties. Despite adverse weather conditions, lychee production in Dinajpur has been good this year. He expressed optimism that farmers will be profitable as in previous years.
