Litchi cultivation is growing day by day in Meherpur. Because it is juicy, tasty and fetches a high market price, the fruit has become a profitable crop for the district's farmers. Orchards are expanding every year, along with production and market demand. Care work in orchards across the district is now in its final stage, and the tasty litchis will start reaching the market within one or two weeks.

According to the agriculture department, litchi was grown on about 715 hectares in the district last year, producing about 6,110 tonnes with a market value of more than Tk 50 crore. This year the area has grown to about 800 hectares. With favourable weather, the trees have set plenty of fruit, raising growers' hopes of a bumper harvest.

Bunches of green litchi can now be seen in almost every orchard in the district, where care, irrigation, weeding and pest control are under way. Growers say the prospects are very good because the weather has been favourable so far, and they will see the profit they hope for if there is no major natural disaster and market prices are satisfactory.

China Three, Bedana, Bombai, Madraji, Kathali and Aathi varieties are mostly grown in Meherpur, with China Three and Bombai in the greatest demand. They are large, full of juice and excellent in taste. Meherpur's litchis are especially valued in different districts of the country and play an important part in the local economy, and growers say litchi farming has become a profitable venture for them.

Saidur Rahman, an orchard owner in Sadar upazila, said: "Because there is more chance of profit in litchi, I have planted new saplings on 1 bigha this year, and I am also regularly tending an old orchard on 2 bighas. If the weather stays good, I expect a bumper harvest."

Orchard owner Sumon Hossain told Jago News: "I am tending the trees regularly to keep the quality right and stop pest attacks. If pesticide is applied on time and management is right, the yield is good."

Grower Abdul Kuddus said: "I have a litchi orchard on two and a half bighas this year. Last year I sold the orchard to wholesalers when it was in blossom. This year I am taking more care, and I hope to sell litchis worth a few lakh taka. But growers face some challenges too. Especially after the fruit sets, bats and birds become a nuisance and often damage the crop. That is why many growers sell early to avoid the risk."

Grower Jahidul Islam said: "I am regularly spraying against pests. But once the fruit grows larger, attacks by bats and birds increase, so we often have to sell early."

Litchi traders are already in the field, and buying and selling through advance contracts has begun in orchards across the district. Local trader Babul Hossain said: "The orchards have yielded well this year. I have already bought a few. Over the season I will buy more orchards and litchis by the kaun. Demand for Meherpur's litchis is always high."

Traders are also coming to Meherpur from other districts to buy orchards. Mokhlesur Rahman, a trader from Faridpur, said: "Because of the sweetness and taste of Meherpur's litchis, demand is high, so I am here to buy orchards early. I hope business will be good this year. If prices stay stable, both traders and growers will profit."

The district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said both production and market value of litchis are likely to rise this year. Deputy director Sanjib Mridha told Jago News: "The trees have set more fruit than last year. We hope litchis worth about Tk 50 to 55 crore will be sold. Farmers are being given regular advice and training so they can produce good-quality litchis."

"If the Department of Agricultural Marketing can create markets for litchis abroad, growers will benefit even more," he said. "If export opportunities are created, it will also have a positive effect on the country's economy."

Overall, litchi farming in Meherpur has become a sector full of promise. With favourable weather, a larger planted area and market demand combined, those involved expect a bumper litchi harvest this year.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.