Flowers start to bloom aplenty on the branches of the litchis (Litchi Chinensis) in Dinajpur. The climate being favourable, Litchi orchard owners and the Agriculture Officials are expecting a bumper production of the fruit in the district.
Though Litchis are produced more or less in all over the country, the Litchis of Dinajpur have an extraordinary demand all over the country. Dinajpur is termed as the Empire of Litchis and the succulent fruit is called as the Natural Rosogolla (Sweet-meat) to the people.
Litchi farmers of the district informed, being profitable, the cultivation of Litchi is increasing every year. They hoped, if the climate remains favourable and there is no natural calamities, a record quantity of Litchis will be produced this year.
According to sources of Agriculture Extension Department of Dinajpur, a total of 4,180 hectares of land have been brought under Litchi cultivation this year and the target of production is still to be fixed.
Abdul Alim, Chief Scientific Officer of Dinajpur Horticulture Research Centre informed, Litchis were produced on 5,680 hetctares of land last year and the producted surpassed 25,000 metric tonnes. The work of determining the target of production is continuing this year. Already the litchi trees have started flowering and it is hoped the proddction of Litchi would surpass last year's production.
He further said, Agriculture officials and the field officials were advising the Litchi farmers to take care of the trees and to apply insecticides and the pesticides timely.
Among the Litchis of Dinajpur, the varieties China-3, Bedana, Bombai, Madrasi, Golapi(pink) and Kanthali are the most famous.
The climate remained suitable, a bumper production of all varieties of Litchis is expected durin the current season.
The farmers remained busy with taking care of the Litchi trees early from the blooming stage to the next three-four months. They poured water to the feet of the trees some 15 days ago and now they are busy spraying water and pesticides on the blossoming flowers.
Litchi is mainly produced in the Dinajpur sadar, Biral, Bochaganj, Kaharole, Chirir Bandar, Birganhj and Khansama upazilas of the district.
Litchi farmer Nazrul Islam informed, with the appearance of Litchi flowers on the braches, fruit traders from Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chittagong and Khulna are visiting Various litchi growing upazilas of Dinajpur. Many of them are taking an advanced lease of the Litchi orchards from the owners.
