Rambutan tree draws attention at Sylhet Tree Fair

Rambutan, a popular summer fruit, has become a major attraction for visitors and buyers at the Sylhet Divisional Tree Fair, where a rambutan tree is priced as high as Tk 1 lakh. As the fruit is now in season, trees laden with ripe, juicy rambutans are drawing considerable attention from visitors to the fair.

Malaysia and Indonesia are considered the places of origin of rambutan.

The fruit resembles a lychee, but its skin has a soft, hair-like covering. It is usually green when unripe and turns red, orange, yellow or maroon when ripe, depending on the variety. The flesh is white or translucent, juicy and sweet.

Under suitable conditions, a rambutan tree can grow to a height of 10 to 12 metres or more and produce a significant quantity of fruit annually once mature.

Rambutan is also being cultivated in Bangladesh, particularly in Narsingdi, Netrokona, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Gazipur.

The fruit is not only attractive but also nutritious. It contains nutrients such as vitamin C, dietary fibre, potassium, calcium and iron. Vitamin C supports the body’s immune system and antioxidant functions, while dietary fibre aids digestion.

The market price of rambutan in Bangladesh varies depending on location, season and quality. Recently, farm-level prices have reportedly ranged from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200 per kilogram, while retail prices have reached Tk 1,400 to Tk 1,500 per kilogram.

The high market value of the fruit could increase farmers’ incomes through commercial cultivation and create new opportunities in the country’s fruit market.

According to agricultural information, rambutan trees grown from seeds generally start bearing fruit within five to six years. However, grafted seedlings can produce fruit within three to four years. In Bangladesh, the trees generally flower in March and the fruit ripens in July and August.

Warm and humid weather is suitable for rambutan cultivation. The fruit grows well in deep, fertile loamy or sandy-loamy soil with good drainage. Waterlogging, however, can damage the trees.

Experts say increasing rambutan production in Bangladesh could help establish it as a new high-value fruit crop, increase farmers’ incomes and reduce dependence on imports.

The Sylhet District Administration and the Forest Department jointly organised the tree plantation campaign and Sylhet Divisional Tree Fair at the Sylhet Government Alia Madrasa ground under the slogan, “Beautify the country with trees, Bangladesh first.”

Besides rambutan, a variety of local and foreign tree species are available at the fair.
Among them are Philippine archer trees priced at Tk 250 to Tk 6,000, Japanese persimmon trees priced at Tk 40,000, Chinese variegated jackfruit trees at Tk 25,000, local satkara trees at Tk 5,000, large pear trees at Tk 25,000, chalta trees at Tk 10,000, large Australian finger lime trees at Tk 10,000 and large Melina cherry trees at Tk 30,000.

Thousands of trees and plants, including bonsai, cacti, indoor plants, and various fruit and flower varieties, are also on display at different stalls.

The fair is open to visitors and buyers from 10am to 8pm every day and will continue until August 29.