Photo : BSS

DINAJPUR, June 1, 2026 (BSS) - The bustling litchi season has begun in Dinajpur, with all major varieties, including the district’s renowned GI-tagged Badana litchi, arriving in local markets.  

Wholesale and retail markets across the district are witnessing heavy trading activity as buyers and sellers engage in what locals describe as a grand seasonal festival. 

A visit to the Kalitala wholesale market and the town's largest fruit trading hub at Pulhat on Monday revealed vibrant trading activities.

Orchard owners are bringing freshly harvested litchis to the markets, while wholesalers from different districts are purchasing large quantities for distribution across the country. 

Popular varieties currently available include Madraji, Badana and China-3 litchis. Other varieties such as Bombay, Hariya, China-2, Mozafari and Kathali are expected to reach markets within the next few days.

Due to recent adverse weather conditions, farmers have started harvesting slightly earlier than usual. 

According to traders, Madraji litchis are being sold at Taka 300-350 per hundred, Badana litchis at Taka 600-700 per hundred, and China-3 litchis at Taka 800-900 per hundred, depending on quality and size. 
 
The district's wholesale markets remain crowded from morning until late at night as buyers inspect, taste and purchase litchis before placing large orders. 

Retailers are also reporting strong demand despite prices being somewhat higher than last year. 

Litchi grower Md. Saker Ali of Sikder village in Sadar upazila said that government officials and corporate buyers traditionally purchase premium-quality litchis directly from orchards. 

Garden owners are carefully harvesting and packing the fruit in bamboo baskets for transportation to various destinations across the country. 

According to agricultural officials, approximately 20 percent of Dinajpur's litchi production meets local demand, while the remaining 80 percent is supplied to other districts. 

Additional Director of the Dinajpur Regional Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Md. Motahar Hossain said Dinajpur's traditional Badana litchi has received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, enhancing its market value. 

He said that the variety has been exported successfully over the past two years, with shipments reaching France, Canada and Australia last year. 

He added that foreign buyers have already expressed interest in purchasing Badana litchis this season, creating new opportunities for export growth and strengthening the agricultural economy. 

Deputy Director of DAE Md. Afzal Hossain said agricultural field officers have been providing continuous support to orchard owners to ensure healthy production. 

Favorable rainfall during the Bengali months of ‘Chaitra’, ‘Baishakh’ and ‘Jaishtha’ helped protect the fruit from excessive heat and maintain production levels. 
 
He confirmed that several countries have already shown interest in importing Dinajpur's premium litchis and preparations are underway to facilitate the exports. 

Traders, however, said that prices have increased due to strong demand from wholesalers, particularly those arriving from Dhaka.

Retail trader Md. Nurul Islam said wholesalers are purchasing Badana litchis at higher rates, making it difficult for local retailers to compete and contributing to higher consumer prices. 

Buyer Monirujaman Mia from Phulbari upazila acknowledged the price increase but said consumers remain eager to enjoy the seasonal mouth watering fruit. "Whatever the price, we have to eat the fruit of the season," he said after purchasing 200 litchis for his family.
 
Md. Dabirul Islam, leaseholder of the Kalitala New Market wholesale fruit market, said daily litchi sales at the market currently range between Taka  three crore to Taka four crore. 

He emphasized that with greater government support, the market could make a significant contribution to the country's agricultural economy. 

According to Dinajpur Horticulture Department Deputy Director Md. Ejamul Haque, litchi orchards cover approximately 7,370 hectares across the district this year, with around 11,580 productive trees. The production target has been set at 39,550 metric tonnes. 

Officials expressed optimism that the district's production will meet domestic demand while also boosting Bangladesh's growing litchi export sector.