Health experts have warned against eating immature litchis, which are currently being sold in marketplaces across the nation, including Dhaka, in defiance of government guidelines.
The consumption of unripe litchis can result in fatal stomach aches, headaches, and other symptoms, they added.
Unripe litchi is extremely damaging to health, according to Dr AHM Borhan-ul-Islam Siddiqui, the civil surgeon of Dinajpur, a region famed for its high-quality litchis.
Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune"Unripe litchis contain a particular enzyme that can give anyone headaches, nausea, and stomachaches. On an empty stomach, eating an excessive amount of litchis can potentially be fatal. Therefore, it is best to avoid eating unripe litchi, especially if you have children,” he said.
According to Md Nuruzzaman, deputy director of the district's Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), litchis were grown on roughly 5,500 hectares of land in Dinajpur this year.
The Madrasi variety litchis should be picked after May 20, Bedana after June 10, Bombay after June 20, China-3 after June 27, and Kathali and Mozaffar kinds at the end.
Despite being aware of the risks to health, some farmers in Dinajpur have started collecting immature, sour-tasting litchis in an effort to increase their revenues.
"After another week, litchis will begin to mature. I have asked farmers to properly irrigate the plants because it's hot outside. The market-available litchis should not be consumed,” the DAE official continued.
Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka TribuneOn Saturday, the price of litchis per 100 pieces was as high as Tk220–250 in the Kalitola, Bahadurbazar, and Hawkers Market areas. The price of these litchis in Dhaka was Tk350-400.
The litchis, according to vendor Rana Ahmed at Hawkers Market, ripened as a result of too much heat. He has sent litchis to many districts, including Dhaka, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Gazipur.
A vendor at Bahadurbazar named Sirajul Islam claimed that the district's litchi production was down from the previous year. "With less production, the price will go up because of the high demand," he said, adding that the litchis would become sweeter after a few days.
