Ishwardi’s Ltichi trade set to hit Tk 700cr

With the arrival of Joishtho, the orchards of Ishwardi have turned vibrant red as ripe Litchis begin flooding markets across the country, bringing hope of a booming seasonal trade worth nearly Tk 700 crore.

Ishward Upazila Agriculture Officer Addul Momin said the fruits have now started turning bright red.
If no major natural disaster occurs, the Litchi trade in Ishwardi alone is expected to reach around Tk 700 crore this season. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Litchi cultivation has been carried out on 3,100 hectares of land in Ishwardi this year.

However, some fruits were damaged due to intense heat.
Currently, native Litchis are being sold in wholesale markets at Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,100 per thousand, depending on quality.

A small quantity of Bombay Litchis is also available, selling for Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,500 per thousand.
Hasan Ali, a Litchi trader from Awtapara village, said Ishwardi’s Litchis are highly delicious and therefore in demand across the country.

Shipments have already begun to wholesale markets in Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Sylhet, and several other districts.

Ishwardi Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Momin said that, due to the absence of major storms and heavy rainfall at the beginning of summer, a good harvest is expected this season.

He also emphasised the need for cold storage facilities in the upazila, considering the large-scale production of Litchis there.

During visits to different orchards in Ishwardi on Sunday, a vibrant atmosphere of activity was observed among local residents. The largest number of orchards was found in the Shahapur, Silimpur, Dashuria, Muladuli, Joynagar, Maniknagar, Awtapara, and Banshebada areas. The surroundings have become colorful with clusters of bright red Litchis.

Meanwhile, temporary Litchi markets have been set up in the Joynagar, Shimultola, Awtapara, and Silimpur areas. Trading continues from midnight until dawn. Wholesalers from different districts are coming to buy Litchis, which are then transported by truck across the country.

Commercial Litchi cultivation in Ishwardi began in the 1980s. At that time, a few enthusiasts started growing Litchi trees in their home gardens.

As Litchi farming proved more profitable than many other crops, more farmers became interested. Gradually, cultivation spread from household yards and roadsides to large fields and orchards.