Litchi galore in Ishwardi

Sweet succulent flesh covered in a prickly red exterior -- litchis, the popular summer fruit have adorned the trees in Pabna's Ishwardi.

Litchi farmers are likely to get record production this year, with a yield amounting to  Tk 500 crore, sources said. Although litchi prices are less than previous year, that's no issue to farmers as they're expected to get double their usual production.

"Along with the traditional breed, we're also cultivating a hybrid variety called as Bombay litchi (China-3), which has gained popularity among both growers and customers," said Dr Md Saiful Alom, deputy director of Pabna Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).

A total of 4,731-hectare land brought under litchi cultivation in the district this year is expecting to get 42,579 tonnes of litchi, he said. "We have the production target of 47,000 tonnes this year but the harvesting progress shows that the litchi output will reach more than 50,000 tonnes," he said.

Sonju Pramanik, a litchi farmer said, "Last year I got 7,000-8,000 litchis from each  tree. This year I'm getting 15,000 litchis from each tree. This is the highest ever production in the last few years."

"Last year each 1,000 litchis was sold for Tk 3,000-3,200. This year I'm selling them at Tk 2,200-2,300,  but that isn't an issue due to bumper production," he added.

"Litchi is the main cash crop for us. When harvesting begins, we invite our relatives for getting a taste. It turns into a festival," said Md Jamal Hossain, a litchi grower.

"Litchis loaded in over 150 trucks are supplied across the country from five to six wholesale markets in Ishwardi," said another litchi grower Nayeb Ali.