The lichi of Dinajpur, which have a high demand among the consumers across the country due to its taste and juicy flavour, will be available in the markets within the next 7 to 10 days.
Of different varieties of lichis grown in the district, Bedana lichi is larger in size than other lichi varieties. People usually wait for this fruit variety during the lichi season for its special aroma and taste.
However, the farmers in Dinajpur still fear losses as the excessive heat wave is posing a threat to the lychees in trees. They are now applying water at the base of the lichi trees and spraying pesticides on trees following advice of the local agriculture office.
Dinajpur has a distinct reputation for lichi, which is cultivated more or less in 13 upazilas of the district. The summer fruit is mostly cultivated in Masimpur, Ulipur, Auliapur and Mohabbatpur in Sadar upazila; Madhabbati, Karola, Rabipur, Rajarampur, Maheshpur and Bot Hat in Birol upazila; and Chirirbandar-Khansama upazilas of the district. As the region is suitable for lichi cultivation, the interest of farmers in lichi cultivation is increasing day by day.
Sources in the Dinajpur Department of Agricultural Extension said the lichi has been cultivated on 5,489 hectares of land in the district. The number of litchi gardens in the district is more than 4,000. Although the summer fruit is cultivated in about 13 upazilas, its cultivation is more in Sadar, Birol and Chirirbandar upazilas.
Lichi grower Idris Ali of Joydevpur village in Sadar Upazila said, “I have more than one hundred litchi trees in two gardens. The yield of litchi in each plant is roughly better than last year. I can take the lychees to the market within 15 to 20 days. I hope to get a good price for lichi this time.” Subas Mahant, another lichi grower of the same area, said that the colour of mature lichi is coming in my garden. I can sell lichi in the market next week. Excessive heat may damage the fruit. Now, I am busy taking care of the lichi trees.”
Zohara Sultana, Chiribandar Upazila Agriculture Officer, said the lychees come to the market in Dinajpur from the third week of May. Although lichi is cultivated in 13 upazilas of the district, Chirirbandar, Biral and Sadar upazilas have witnessed the most lichi cultivation. In this upazila, lichis have been cultivated on about 475 hectares of land. Madrazi and Bombay are the early varieties of litchi followed by Bedana, China 3 and Jackfruit, the agriculture officer said.
Due to severe heatwave in the district, lichi crops have been damaged. In the field, farmers were advised to spray more water at the base of the plants and on the lichi trees to save the lichis from excessive heat, she said.
