Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, June 17, 2026 (BSS) - Seasonal fruits have flooded markets and roadside stalls across Chattogram city and the district with the arrival of the Bangla month of Joishtho, popularly known as "Madhu Mash" boosting trading activities and attracting large numbers of consumers.

A wide variety of fruits, including mangoes, jackfruits, litchis, pineapples and jamrul, are now available throughout the district. Traders said prices have remained relatively affordable due to abundant supplies during the peak harvesting season, despite strong consumer demand.

A visit to the city's major wholesale fruit hubs at Reazuddin Bazar and Station Road, popularly known as Folmondi, revealed huge stocks of seasonal fruits stored in hundreds of warehouses and wholesale outlets. The colourful displays of fresh produce have added vibrancy to local markets.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), both local and improved fruit varieties have reached markets in large quantities, with supplies expected to increase further in the coming weeks.

Md Arif, owner of Gawsia Warehouse, told BSS that popular mango varieties currently available include Himsagor, Haribhanga, Amrapali, Gopalbhog, Khirsapat, Langra, Fazli, Ashwina and Mohanbhog.

He said several varieties of jackfruit, including Gala, Rasa, Khaja, Chhota Khaja, Bara Khaja, Deshi and Madhu, are also being marketed through wholesale warehouses and araths.

Litchi varieties such as Bombay, Madraji, China-1, China-3, Bedana, Muzaffarpuri, Elachi, Kadmi and Bari are now widely available.

Market sources and DAE officials said production and supply of litchi have increased significantly in recent years due to farmers' growing interest in cultivating hybrid and high-yielding varieties, particularly China-3, Bombay and Madraji.

Different varieties of pineapple, including Honey Queen (Jaldugi), Giant Q, Ghorashal, Calendar, Desi and Pahari, are also being sold in local markets.

Currently, jackfruit is being sold at Taka 100-350 per piece depending on size and quality, while mangoes are priced between Taka 50 and Taka 120 per kilogram. Pineapples are selling for Taka 40-60 each, while litchis are available at Taka 300-700 per hundred.

Traders said fruit prices may fluctuate depending on supply and market demand, although most fruits remain within consumers' purchasing capacity.

Mohammad Abdul Halim, a buyer at Falmondi wholesale market, said seasonal fruits are both nutritious and popular among consumers."Prices were relatively high at the beginning of the season, but they are gradually stabilising as supplies continue to increase," he said.

Fruit vendor Alauddin said prices are likely to decline further within a week as more produce reaches the markets.

Farmers in the three hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban expressed optimism over this year's harvest.

Arunjoti Chakma, a fruit grower from Rangamati, said favourable weather conditions have contributed to a bumper harvest this season.

Litchi farmer Mustaq Ahmed of Kalipur in Banshkhali upazila said he has earned a satisfactory profit from the sale of the area's renowned Kalipur-brand litchi this year.

According to DAE Deputy Director Omar Faruk, commercial mango cultivation covers about 506 hectares across the Chattogram region, including the hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. Jackfruit is cultivated on around 216 hectares, while litchi and pineapple together account for nearly 100 hectares.

He said homestead and small-scale fruit cultivation has been gaining popularity across the region, contributing significantly to increased fruit production.

"The expansion of local fruit farming is helping meet domestic demand and reducing dependence on imported fruits such as apples, grapes, mosambi and dates," he added.