Magura litchi growers happy with bumper production, good price

OUR CORRESPONDENT

MAGURA, May 12: Bumper production of litchis and good profit from its cultivation brought smiles to growers in Magura.

Sources from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Magura, said 820 hectares were brought under litchi cultivation in the district this season and favourable weather has benefitted the cultivation.

Some 12,000 workers are now working in the orchards to pick the fruits, which are being collected and transported by traders currently arriving from Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet. Litchi produced in Magura is completely chemical free and the demand of Magura's litchi is high in the market, according to local trader Humayan Kabir. He said every day litchis worth Tk 3.0 to Tk 3.5 million is sent to different parts of the country from Magura. Sources claimed that artificial ripening agents were not used after picking the fruit early this year.

Litchis are mainly cultivated in Meerjapur, Beroil, Saitrish, Isakada, Alamkhali and Raghabdair in Magura. Other villages renowned for litchi cultivation in the district include Beerpur, Hazrapur, Hazipur, Kanchanpur, Rautara, Kashinathpur, Alaipur, Gourcharanpur and Khalimpur. Farmers said they expect to make a profit of Tk 300 million from selling litchis in Magura.

Fazlay Khuda, a litchi grower in Beerpur village under Magura Sadar Upazila, said he has brought four bighas of land under litchi cultivation and so far has sold litchis worth Tk 100,000. "I expect Tk 200,000 more from sales."

Golam Reza, a litchi grower in Beroil village of Magura Sadar, said he has brought five bigha of land under litchi cultivation in the district and has been selling per bundle of the fruit at Tk 200. He also said he is happy with the production and the price. "I am expecting Tk 400,000 in profit from my litchi."

DAE Deputy Director Md Tazul Islam said Litchi growers in the district are now enjoying bumper production and lucrative price. Litchi orchards in this district are now under our close observation. Consequently, we have become successful to ensure chemical free litchi market in the district.

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