Growers eye Tk 500cr sales despite low yield

Litchi growers in Dinajpur district, known as the country's largest litchi market, are happy with good prices amid low supply in the market and hope to sell litchis worth Tk 400-500 crore in the district in the current year. The market offers varieties such as Madraji, Bedana, Bombay, and China-3 types of litchis. Initially, farmers were pleased with good prices.

Dinajpur has also gained fame for its delicious litchis. Litchis of various types, including Bombay, Madraji, China-three, Bedana, and Kathali, have spread their fame beyond the country's borders. Among them, the largest litchi market in the country has emerged in the Kalitala area of the city. This market is active from dawn until 10 pm. Each shop has litchis arranged on green leaves. Sellers are trying to attract buyers with haggling. Due to intense demand and storms, there has been a shortage of litchis in the market, leading to higher prices compared to last year.

According to market sources, last year Madraji litchis were sold for Tk 1600 to 2200 per thousand, but this year they are selling for Tk 3000 to 3500. Bombay litchis were sold for Tk 2000 to 2400 per thousand last year, but this year they are selling for Tk 3000 to 3800. Bedana litchis were sold for Tk 5500 to 6500 per thousand last year, but this year they are selling for Tk 7500 to 9500. China-three litchis were sold for Tk 6000 to 7500 per thousand last year, but this year they are selling for Tk 8000 to 11000. Similarly, Kathali litchis were sold for Tk 6500 to 8500 per thousand last year, but this year they are being sold for Tk 9000 to 11000.

Last year, due to low litchi prices, litchi farmers faced losses. However, despite lower yields this year, they are happy due to higher prices. Litchi farmer Akbar Ali said, "Last year, litchi production was good, but we didn't get good prices in the market. As a result, we suffered losses. This year, despite low yields, we are making profits because of the higher prices in the market."

Traders attribute the high prices in the market to the low supply of litchis compared to demand. Litchi trader Meherul Islam Angur said, "This year, litchi production has decreased, leading to low supply in the market compared to demand. That's why litchi prices are higher in the market. This year, litchis won't be available in the market for more days."

Due to the high prices of litchis, there has been a mixed reaction among buyers. In the hope of lower prices, buyers are visiting shops one after another. Litchi buyer Shamsul Islam said, "Last year, I could find litchis at lower prices in Dhaka. But this year, litchis are not available in the market. Madraji litchis are not even available in the market. Now I'm visiting shop to shop to find where I can get them at a lower price. I have to send litchis to my relatives. There is no other way."

Dr. Ezamul Haque, Deputy Director of Dinajpur Horticultural Center, said, "This year, litchi production will be about 40,000 metric tons from about 5,000 hectares of land in the district. Some litchis were damaged due to storms last year. As a result, there has been some damage to litchis due to storms this year as well. This has led to a decrease in litchi supply in the market. Every day, litchis worth Tk 15 to 20 crore are bought and sold in Dinajpur's litchi market. We hope to sell litchis worth Tk 400 to 500 crore in the district this year."