Litchi trade peaks in Dinajpur

Trade in Dinajpur’s famous litchis has reached its peak, with thousands of baskets leaving the district every day for markets across Bangladesh. Despite a slight decline in production due to weather conditions, growers say fruit quality remains high and demand continues to be strong.

Known as the country’s litchi capital, Dinajpur is witnessing brisk business in orchards and wholesale markets as traders from different parts of Bangladesh flock to the district to purchase the seasonal fruit. The buying and selling of popular varieties, including Bedana, Madrasi and China-3, are now in full swing.

Wholesale and retail markets in New Market, Pulhat, Sikdarhat, Mahabbatpur, Ulipur, Masimpur and Auliapur have become vibrant trading hubs during the peak season. Traders collect litchis directly from orchards before transporting them to markets across the country.

Although litchis are cultivated throughout the district, major production zones include Masimpur, Ghughudanga and Ulipur in Dinajpur Sadar Upazila, as well as Madhabbati, Karala, Rabipur, Maheshpur and Bothat in Biral Upazila. Significant cultivation also takes place in Golapganj and Kachinia of Khansama, and parts of Birganj and Chirirbandar.

Several varieties, including Madrasi, Bedana, Bombay, China-3 and Kathali, are grown in the district, though Bedana and Bombay remain the most sought-after among consumers and traders.

Visits to orchards revealed a busy harvest scene, with men, women and children engaged in picking, sorting and packaging litchis for shipment. Child workers earn between Tk100 and Tk150 per day, while women receive Tk200 to Tk250 and men earn between Tk400 and Tk450.

Deputy Director of the DAE in Dinajpur, Md Afzal Hossain, said that although natural factors had slightly reduced production, the overall quality of the fruit remained excellent.

“The size, colour and appearance of the fruit are very good this year. Prices were somewhat low at the beginning of the season, but the market is improving and we expect farmers to receive fair returns,” he said.

The district’s largest litchi market, Kalitola New Market in Dinajpur town, remains crowded from dawn until late at night. Due to a shortage of space, litchi-laden vans and battery-powered vehicles line nearby roads as trading activities continue throughout the day.

According to traders, wholesale prices currently range from Tk1,300 to Tk2,000 per thousand for Madrasi litchis, Tk5,500 to Tk7,000 for Bedana, Tk7,000 to Tk8,000 for China-3, and Tk2,000 to Tk2,500 for Bombay varieties.

Orchard owner Jobaydul Ali said the harvest has been satisfactory this year and that many growers are selling their produce directly from the orchards.

“This year the yield has been good and prices are satisfactory. A large quantity of litchis is being sold directly from the gardens,” he said.

Abdul Razzaq, a litchi grower from Biral, said wholesalers from various districts continue to purchase litchis directly from orchards before transporting them to markets nationwide.

Buyers have also welcomed lower prices compared with last year. Liton, a customer at the market, said he purchased Bedana litchis at Tk500 per hundred and China-3 at Tk800 per hundred, significantly lower than the Tk800 and Tk1,200 he paid respectively last year.

Another buyer, Shahin, who regularly sends litchis to Dhaka, said prices have fallen noticeably this season.

Traders estimate that nearly 80 percent of Dinajpur’s litchi production is supplied to other districts, while only about 20 percent is sold in local markets.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Dinajpur has 5,418 litchi orchards spread across 5,490 hectares of land. Of the total cultivation area, Bombay litchis account for 3,170 hectares, Madrasi for 1,166 hectares, China-3 for 802 hectares, Bedana for 295.5 hectares, Kathali for 56 hectares and Muzaffarpuri for one hectare.

The district is home to nearly 700,000 litchi trees in orchards and homesteads, with a production target of 31,790 metric tonnes this season.

With its favourable sandy-loam soil and long-standing reputation for producing premium-quality fruit, Dinajpur remains Bangladesh’s leading litchi-producing district. Last year, the district’s renowned Bedana litchi received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, further strengthening its reputation at home and abroad.

As the harvest season continues, Dinajpur’s sweet and juicy litchis are once again reaching consumers across the country, reinforcing the district’s status as the nation’s premier source of the popular summer fruit.