Fruit shops in Rajshahi are throbbing with sweet,succulent and aromatic litchis, which, because of unfavourable weather conditions and excessive heat, ripened earlier than expected.
This year’s are smaller in size than last year’s - a condition attributed to low rainfall during cultivation. However, production remained unaffected, while the price of the fruit has almost doubled. A hundred pieces of litchi are being sold for Tk200-250, compared to Tk120-180 last year.
Available among the varieties of litchi are Bedana, Bombay, China, Mozaffari, Mongolbari, Kadami and BARI – all native to Southeast Asia and produced in Rajshahi.
Wholesale traders are now purchasing these varieties from the city’s markets and consigning them to different selling points in the capital and other cities for regional consumers.
Local fruit producers have attributed the fruit’s early seasonal appearance to unfavourable weather conditions, including low rainfall and excessive heat during Baisakh quickening the ripening process.
Meraj Uddin, a litchi producer of Choto Bongram under Shah Makhdum thana, said, “Due to extreme heat and drought-like conditions, litchi ripened early this year. The fruits will be available on the market for two more weeks.”
Monirul Islam, a fruit trader at Shaheb Bazaar, said they are satisfied with the litchi production this year, but the size of the fruit is relatively small.
He conceded that the price is higher this time and that many people are returning home without buying fruits. Theprice may further increase as the season draws to an end, he added.
Dr Abdul Alim, a senior scientific officer at Rajshahi Horticulture Research Centre, said, “Local varieties of the ball-shaped fruit are now available everywhere. Their size is small, but taste is as delicious as always. Bombay lychee is the sweetest and juiciest.”
Monsur Rahman, an official at the Agriculture Extension Department, said Rajshahi is particularly suitable for producing the BARI-1 varieties of litchi. However, it is also suitable for the China-3 and Bombay varieties.
Litchi is a profitable fruit for the producers in the region since it has a steady market position can survive in rough weather and even withstand pest attacks, he added.
