Photo: TDM
Thakurgaon has reported an exceptional yield of litchi, bringing joy to gardeners who are now reaping the benefits of high prices. The district markets have already commenced the sale of litchis. The harvesting of litchis is in full swing, both in large and small gardens located in Munsirhat, a municipal town renowned as the "litchi village." Temporary huts have been set up along the highway to facilitate the trade.
People of all ages, including young women, children, and the elderly, are found sitting in the markets, offering litchis for sale at varying prices.
Upon visiting the orchards on Saturday, it was observed that workers were diligently plucking litchis from the trees. Traders from different parts of the country have flocked to purchase these luscious fruits. The litchis have already made their appearance in various markets within the city and across different upazilas of the district.
Currently, the pink variety of litchis dominates the sales in Kalibari Bazar, Bus Stand, Thakurgaon Road, Munsirhat, Godhuri Bazar, and other markets. In the open market, 100 pink litchis are being sold for Tk 200 to Tk 250.
The Munsirhat area boasts several litchi orchards owned by individuals such as Rubel Islam, Raja, and Badsha. Seasonal fruit traders from various parts of the country have procured these orchards through contractual agreements. Gopal Chandra, a seasonal fruit trader from Bara in Bogra district, has acquired nine orchards in Munsirhat. Currently, the harvesting of the pink litchi variety is underway.
Moreover, the China-3, Madrasi, and Bombay varieties of litchis will ripen in the coming days. Local residents residing in the vicinity of the orchards are earning 500-700 rupees by picking and arranging litchis. They also sell the litchis they collect along the highway at different prices. Consequently, women, children, young individuals, and the elderly are reaping financial benefits from the seasonal litchi business.
Nuri, Hena, and Maina, female workers involved in litchi cultivation and harvesting, shared that they earn Tk 500-700 per day by plucking litchi clusters from the garden trees. Many individuals, including women, men, children, and the elderly from the surrounding areas, are also benefiting financially from this work.
Rubel Islam, the garden owner, mentioned that the litchi harvesting has been ongoing for several days, with only the pink variety being harvested at present. Traders from different districts across the country are purchasing litchis from the garden at prices ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 taka per 1,000 litchis. This year's prices are slightly higher compared to last year.
Sirajul Islam, the Deputy Director of the Thakurgaon Agricultural Extension Department and an agriculturist, confirmed that the department has already provided guidance and support to the garden owners. This year has witnessed a bumper litchi harvest, surpassing last year's production of 5,998 metric tons from 256 small and large gardens, including homesteads, covering an area of 905 hectares. Litchi cultivation has slightly increased this year, and growers are expected to receive a fair value for their litchis.
TDM/SD
