Early-variety litchis appearing in Rajshahi markets; prices too high

RAJSHAHI, May 04: Litchis have started appearing in Rajshahi markets ahead of the peak harvesting season, with limited supply and weather-induced crop losses driving prices too high.

With the Bangla month of Jaishtha-traditionally known as the peak fruit season-set to begin within days, orchards across Rajshahi are already bearing clusters of ripening litchis.

The early harvest has reached major city markets, including Shaheb Bazar, Laxmipur, Shalbagan, the rail station area and Upashahar New Market.

Market visits show that litchis are currently retailing at Tk 450-500 per hundred, while some vendors are selling individual pieces at Tk 5 each. Traders say prices remain high due to limited availability, as only early-season varieties have so far entered the market.

In some cases, immature fruits are also being harvested prematurely to capitalise on early demand, raising concerns about quality.

Adverse weather conditions have significantly affected production this season. Rajshahi has experienced prolonged heat waves, drought conditions and a lack of rainfall, disrupting normal fruit development.

Although trees initially produced a substantial number of blossoms, a large portion dropped before maturing. In addition, excessive heat has caused many fruits to crack, reducing the volume of marketable produce.

Orchard owners say the situation has increased both risks and costs. Hasmat Ali, an orchard owner in the Chhoto Bongram area, said that despite a good flowering phase, extreme heat damaged a significant share of the crop. Many fruits cracked due to excessive heat. Sorting usable produce takes more time and labour, raising costs. Even at current prices, profitability remains uncertain.

Grower Shahriar Hossain from Paba upazila reported similar losses. Despite having around 70 trees, he said nearly 60 per cent of the fruits were damaged.

"I sold a small quantity of early litchis at a good price, but overall output is low, so total earnings will reduce," he said. Retailers are also facing higher procurement costs. Traders said litchis are being purchased from orchards at Tk 2,000-2,500 per thousand, depending on quality. After adding transport and handling costs, retailers are compelled to charge higher prices to maintain margins.

Exorbitant prices have dampened demand among the lower- and middle-income consumers.

Many buyers are purchasing smaller quantities, mostly for seasonal consumption. At Shaheb Bazar, a buyer, Aminul Islam, said he opted to buy 50 pieces instead of 100 due to the high price.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Rajshahi, litchi cultivation covered 528 hectares last year, with a production target of 3,768 tonnes.

This year, the cultivated area has slightly declined to 526 hectares, while the production target has been set at 3,775 tonnes. However, officials say current weather conditions may affect the achievement of this target.

On average, about 40 litchis weigh one kilogram, meaning 100 litchis weigh approximately 2.5 kilograms.

The indicative average price for 100 litchis has been estimated at Tk 400, suggesting a seasonal market size of around Tk 50 million, although actual turnover may fall short due to lower output.

Rajshahi is known for producing several popular litchi varieties, including Bombai, Madrasi, Kadmi, Mozafarpuri, Bedana, China-3 and BARI-developed varieties such as BARI-1, BARI-2 and BARI-3, which typically dominate the market during the peak season.

Dr Md Mosharraf Hossain, chief scientific officer at the Fruit Research Centre in Rajshahi, said the current supply consists mainly of early varieties. "Peak-season litchis are expected to arrive from late May to early June. Supply will increase then, which may help ease prices," he said.

Md Nasir Uddin, deputy director of the DAE in Rajshahi, said the fruit has not yet fully matured. "It may take another 15 to 20 days before large-scale harvesting begins. Prices are usually higher at the start of the season but tend to decline as supply improves," he said, adding that heat and drought have caused partial crop losses this year.

anaetru@gmail.com