Bumper litchi output in Panchagarh

Farmers are happy over litchi production in Panchagarh district as they are getting much yield beyond expectation.

The delicious fruit has already arrived in the local markets in the district.

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) sources said the commercial cultivation of litchi was started about 10 years ago in the district and is increasing every year.

Some 1,000 hectares of land have been brought under litchi cultivation in the district this year. This year’s per hectare expected outcome is 525 tonnes, the DAE sources said.

Five varieties of litchi - local variety, China-2, 3 and 4 and Bombay - are grown by the farmers in the district. Among the verities, China-2, 3 and 4 are in great demand in markets.

A bundle of 50 local variety litchi is being sold at Tk 100 to Tk 150 in the local markets now.

Farmer Abdul Malek of Dangapara village under Debiganj upazila said, ‘I sold my litchi orchard on two acres of land at Tk three lakh to the wholesaler.’

Md Rias Uddin, deputy director of DAE in Panchagarh, said that this year’s production of litchi is good.

He, however, said the DAE provides technical support to the growers.