Litchi appears in Rajshahi

RAJSHAHI, May 4 (BSS): With ten more days to go for the Bangla month of Joistha, commonly known as 'Modhumash' (honey month), the juicy fruit litchi has started appearing in the local markets of the region including Rajshahi city in limited scale.

But due to its small quantity, the present price is beyond purchasing capacity of the common people.

Side by side with the scorching heat and sultry weather the summer season brings many juicy fruits like litchi, mango, watermelon and jackfruit 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 fruits.

In advent of the season, the every 100-litchi fruits are being sold at 300 to 350 taka based on quality and size. Many people are coming to purchase the fruits but going back failing to match their taste and capacity.

"Because of the high price, I have no capacity to purchase litchi in accordance to my wish.

I think, I have to wait for some days until its price comes down," said Nazmul Islam, a resident of Upashahar area, who came to Shaheb Bazar for purchasing litchi.

The sellers said the price is high as the supply is scanty but commented that the price will come down to some extent when the supply increases in the next couple of days.

While talking to BSS trader Shafiqul Islam at Shaheb Bazar said that many of the farmers are seen harvesting green litchis in bid to get more money.

He also said the farmers are harvesting the cash crop before they are ripe with hope of more profit and in apprehension of natural calamity.

Dr Abdul Alim, Principal Scientific Officer of Rajshahi Fruit Research Station, said that litchi is grown well in Rajshahi and Dinajpur districts in the northwest region but the litchi of Ishurdi is very delicious and famous across the country.