Dinajpur, often referred to as the “Land of Litchis,” is set for a promising season as thousands of trees across the district bloom with golden flowers.
Farmers and agricultural officials are optimistic about a bumper harvest this year, attributing it to favourable weather conditions and improved cultivation techniques.
Beyond Dinajpur, litchi cultivation is also prevalent in the districts of Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, and Rangpur, all of which contribute significantly to the region’s agricultural economy.
Weather and Crop Conditions
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Dinajpur, the flowering season usually commences in late February. A well-timed shower during this period has boosted flowering, although rising temperatures remain a concern for optimal fruit development.
Spring has brought a delightful fragrance to Dinajpur’s 5,418 litchi orchards, spread across all 13 upazilas of the district. The most significant cultivation areas include Dinajpur Sadar, Chirirbandar, Khansama, and Birganj upazilas.
Farmers have been actively investing in irrigation, pesticide application, and fertilisation to ensure high yields. Popular litchi varieties such as China-1, China-2, China-3, Bedana, Bombay, Madrazi, and Kathali have shown healthy blossom retention, increasing hopes of a record-breaking harvest.
Md Nuruzzaman, Deputy Director of Dinajpur’s DAE, expressed confidence, stating, “The weather has been ideal so far. If no natural disasters occur in the coming days, we anticipate a record-breaking yield.”
Market Demand and Early Orders
The demand for Dinajpur’s premium-quality litchis is already visible, with traders from Rajshahi, Rangpur, Chattogram, and Dhaka visiting orchards to secure early deals. Farmers and buyers have begun negotiations well in advance, ensuring a stable market for the fruit.
Last year, litchi was cultivated across 5,787 hectares in Dinajpur, yielding approximately 42,000 metric tonnes of fruit, valued at over Tk 800 crore. This year, authorities aim to surpass these figures by guiding farmers with real-time updates on pest control, irrigation, and climate resilience.
Key Data on Litchi Cultivation in Dinajpur
| Year | Cultivated Area (Hectares) | Yield (Metric Tonnes) | Estimated Market Value (Tk Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5,787 | 42,000 | 800 |
| 2024* | Expected to surpass 2023 | Expected to increase | Projected higher than 800 |
(*2024 figures based on official projections)
Challenges and Farmer Concerns
Litchi remains one of Dinajpur’s most lucrative seasonal cash crops, with markets across the country relying on its supply. While the region’s exceptional fruit quality has created export opportunities—once even reaching the Middle East—the lack of proper storage and processing facilities has limited large-scale trade.
Farmers are calling on the government to establish cold storage and processing units to extend the fruit’s shelf life and unlock greater market potential.
Bablu Mia, a litchi grower from Chirirbandar upazila, highlighted the need for infrastructure, stating, “With cold storage and processing plants, we could produce value-added products like juices and preserves, making our litchis export-ready.”
Pricing and Risks
Last year, litchi prices varied significantly:
| Litchi Count | Price Range (Tk) |
|---|---|
| Per piece | 3 – 18 |
| Per 100-piece bunch | 300 – 1,800 |
Farmers remain cautious about potential price fluctuations, as market conditions and rising transport costs directly impact their profits.
“A single storm or pest outbreak can wipe out months of hard work,” said Abdur Razzak, a litchi farmer from Khansama upazila.
Supplementary Information:
Litchi is a highly perishable fruit, which makes proper storage and timely market access crucial for farmers. Experts suggest that modern cold storage facilities and processing industries could help stabilise prices and expand the fruit’s market reach. With an increasing focus on agricultural resilience, investing in these areas could transform Dinajpur’s litchi industry into a sustainable and export-driven sector.
