Dinajpur, known for producing the finest lychees in the country, is set for another season.
Across the district, lychee trees are now laden with clusters of young fruits. Gardeners are busy nurturing the fruits to ensure a good harvest.
Sales of the lychee orchards began. Traders from different parts of the country are visiting gardens and negotiating deals. So far, the weather has been favourable, and no major calamity has disrupted cultivation.
However, farmers noted that a season of abundant yield is often followed by a slightly lighter harvest the next year. Despite this natural fluctuation, they are optimistic about making good profits this year.
At present, almost every homestead and orchard across Dinajpur’s 13 upazilas boasts trees heavy with young lychees.
The first phase of orchard sales concluded, and another round of sales is expected once the fruits begin to ripen. Farmers expect these famous lychees to arrive in markets by mid-May.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Dinajpur, this year’s lychee production is expected to be worth around Tk 1,000 crore. However, traders estimate the figure could nearly double.
Among the various popular varieties, Bedana, Bombay, Madraji, China-3, Kathali, and Muzaffarpuri are in high demand. The Madraji variety usually hits the market first, while Bedana and China-3 varieties appear later in the season.
Belal Hossain, an orchard owner from Kashidanga village in Dhamoir Union of Biral Upazila, said, “My five-acre orchard has produced fewer lychees than last year, but I have still managed to sell it for Tk 24 lakh, compared to Tk 22 lakh last year.”
Shaheen Hossain, a buyer of lychee orchards in Dhamoir Union, added, “I am hopeful of good profits. I have purchased three orchards. One of them was bought for Tk 24 lakh on a three-season contract. I expect to make a profit of Tk 2 to Tk 2.5 lakh from it.”
The DAE has been providing regular guidance to farmers, advising on proper pesticide use to ensure a healthy crop.
This year, the DAE set a target of cultivating lychees on 6,500 hectares of land in the district, expecting to surpass production targets with a projected yield of around 35,000 tonnes, valued at over Tk 1,000 crore.
Translated & edited by Fariha Nowshin Chinika
