Agriculture officials project over 50,000 metric tons this year
8 May 2026, 10:15 AM
Ahmed Humayun Kabir Topu
Two hours, 2000 litchis sold. Fruit trader Md Nasir felt like he struck gold after selling his entire stock at the Indara Mor of Pabna town at approximately 2:00pm on Thursday.Another trader, Jasim Uddin, sold 4,000 litchis by that evening at the same footpath market.“Litchis have just hit the Pabna market for the first time this season, so there is high demand from customers keenly waiting for a taste of the season’s first fruit. Since traders brought only small quantities, we all sold out within a few hours,” said Jasim.During a visit to the footpath market on Thursday afternoon, the local "Mozaffar" variety was retailing for Tk 300 per hundred. However, most litchis currently available are quite sour. Harvested before they are fully ripe, these litchis have very little flesh.“As it’s the first fruit of the season, I bought 50 litchis, but they are very expensive relative to their quality and taste,” said Md Shahidur Rahman, a college teacher.Traders, however, noted that prices are already lower than last year and are expected to become even more affordable due to a bumper harvest.“Last year, we bought early varieties from farmers for over Tk 300 per hundred. This year, we are getting them for Tk 250,” said Md Nasir Uddin, a seasonal trader. He explained that the local variety (Mozaffar/Ati litchi) is harvested early in Ishwardi and adjoining areas, making it the first to hit the market.Nasir added that the harvest will begin in full swing next week, bringing the price down further.
