Ishwardi litchi trees in full bloom, farmers hope for record harvest
Pabna Correspondent :
Litchi cultivation has been practiced in Ishwardi since the 1980s. However, commercial expansion of litchi farming in the region gained significant momentum after 2000. According to the Upazila Agriculture Extension Office, litchis are currently cultivated on approximately 3,100 acres of land, with around 11,270 small and large orchards across the upazila.
Last year, the seasonal litchi produced in the area had an estimated market value of around Tk 600 crore. This season, however, farmers are hopeful of surpassing all previous records, as trees are heavily laden with blossoms.
According to growers, litchi flowering typically begins in the last week of Magh and continues until mid-Falgun (roughly late January to mid-March). Trees that do not produce blossoms usually sprout new leaves in early Falgun, while those that do bear blossoms become fully covered with flower clusters.
In Ishwardi, three major varieties of litchi are predominantly cultivated-Muzaffar (local), Bombay, and China-3. Other varieties such as Kadmi, Kathali, Bedana, China-1, and China-2 are also grown. Due to its superior taste and high market demand, the cultivation of the China-3 variety has been increasing significantly.
A visit to several areas of the upazila including Aotapara, Jagannathpur, Charmirkamari, Gangmathal, Joynagar, Naodapara, Bharimari, Silimpur, Shekher Dair, Munnar Mor, Boktarpur, Kadimpur, Maniknagar, and Chilimpur-revealed that most trees are in full bloom. Sources said only about 20 to 25 percent of the trees have not produced blossoms this season.
Abdul Jalil Kitab Mondal, a nationally awarded litchi grower from Joynagar, popularly known as “Litchu Kitab,” said, “Compared to last year, the number of blossoms is much higher this season. Fewer new leaves have emerged, which has resulted in more abundant flowering.”
Mizan Sheikh, a grower from Maniknagar, said, “I have nearly a hundred trees. Last year, only 30 to 35 trees bore fruit, but this time almost all the trees have blossomed. If the weather remains favorable, we expect a good harvest.”
Zahidul Haque from Aotapara said, “Last year we couldn’t make expected profits due to low production. This year, the trees are full of blossoms. If the yield is good, we hope to make a profit.”
Seasonal trader Amirul Islam from Naodapara said that they usually purchase many orchards even before flowering begins. Although they incurred losses last year, he feels optimistic about this season.
Ishwardi Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Momin said, “Although last year’s production was low, this season the trees are covered with blossoms.
Early withdrawal of the monsoon at the end of last year and the current weather pattern-cool nights and comparatively warm days-have created favorable conditions for litchi cultivation.
If the weather remains supportive, we expect a bumper harvest this year.”
