Litchi trading goes onamid corona in Rajshahi

Rajshahi Bureau: Trading and marketing of litchi has reached peak everywhere in the region involving hundreds of labourers both males and females in harvesting, segregating and transportation of the delicious seasonal fruit amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Market sources said harvest has been continuing in full swing with plenty of supply, but the pandemic for the second consecutive time has brought frustration among the public in general including litchi growers, traders and the consumers this season.
Foyzullah Chowdhury, a development activist in the city, said Rajshahi has a long tradition of brisk business of various summer fruits especially litchi and mango. But, this year’s low production of the seasonal mouth-watering fruit has frustrated many of the growers and traders. Even so, the juicy fruit litchi has appeared in the local markets including Rajshahi city and its adjacent areas. Seasonal traders set up makeshift shops at different points in the city especially Shaheb Bazar, Bindurmore, Laxmipur Bazar, Sheroil Bus Terminal, Railway station and Court bazaar with the eye-catching fruit. Trader Faridul Islam at New Market gate area said on Tuesday that many farmers are harvesting litchi with the hope of getting legitimate money.
He, however, said the market price of the mouth-watering fruit is comparatively high this season due to the less production. A comfortable situation everywhere in the society is very important to make any business profitable, Islam added. Considering the low supply amid high demand, traders say prices may rise.
Alim Uddin, a farmer of Duary village under Paba upazila, said he brought his litchis to the local wholesale market for sale on Monday. “Price is good but the production was frustrating against expectations,” he added.
Dr Alim Uddin, principal scientific officer of Fruit Research Station, told that litchi is grown well in Rajshahi and Dinajpur districts in the country’s northwest region but the fruit of Ishwardi is very delicious and famous across the country. In Rajshahi, there are around 380 hectares of litchi orchards with the creation of new ones. He said commercial farming of some of the fruits especially mango and litchi is gradually being enhanced in the region.