Juicy litchi starts appearing in Rajshahi markets

FT ONLINE

With ten more days to appear the Bangla month of Jyestha, commonly known as 'Modhumash', the juicy fruit litchi has started appearing in the local markets including Rajshahi city in limited scale.

But due to its less quantity, the present price is beyond purchasing capacity of the commoners.

The summer season will bring many other juicy fruits like mango and jackfruit naturally in the region.

Many seasonal traders set up makeshift shops at different points in the city especially Shaheb Bazar, Bindurmore, Luxmipur Bazar, Sheroil Bus Terminal, Railway station and Court bazaar displaying the eye catching fruit.

In advent of the season, the every 100 litchi fruits are being sold at Taka 300 to 350 based on quality and size. Riches are purchasing the high cost fruit whatever the price is to take the taste first.

"Now, I have no capacity to purchase litchi in accordance to my wish in the high price. I think, I have to wait for some more days until its price is reduced," said Anwarul Haque, a resident of Beldarpara area, who came to Shaheb Bazar for purchasing litchi.

The sellers said the price is high as the supply is scanty but the price will be reduced to some extent when the supply will be enhanced within the next couple of days.

Trader Hasmat Ali at Shaheb Bazar said on Thursday that many farmers are harvesting immature litchi with the hope of getting more money.

Dr Abdul Alim, Principal Scientific Officer of Rajshahi Fruit Research Station, told newsmen that litchi is grown well in Rajshahi and Dinajpur districts. He added the litchi of Ishwardi is very delicious and famous across the country.

He said commercial farming of some of the fruits especially mango and litchi are gradually being enhanced in the region. Dr Alim also said yield of litchi has been affected to some extent due to some frequent nor'wester.