Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, May 20, 2026 (BSS) - Litchi cultivation is emerging as a new driver of rural economic growth in Rajshahi, widely known as the country's "kingdom of mangoes," as a bumper harvest this season is opening fresh opportunities for farmers, traders and transport workers alike.

With the early-season local varieties nearing the end of their supply cycle, the highly popular "Bombay" variety has now entered the market in full swing, dominating wholesale and retail trade across the district.

Previously, local demand for quality litchi in Rajshahi was largely met by supplies from districts such as Dinajpur and Ishwardi. 

However, that dependence has significantly declined this year as Rajshahi's own orchards have produced a strong and improved harvest, meeting local consumption while also supplying other parts of the country, including the capital Dhaka.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Rajshahi, a total of 528 hectares of land have been brought under litchi cultivation this season across the city and nine upazilas of the district. 

Officials said favorable weather conditions, combined with improved orchard management practices, have contributed to a noticeably higher yield compared to the previous year.

The DAE has set a production target of 3,775 metric tons of litchi this season, covering both local and Bombay varieties. Officials and farmers estimate that if production and market conditions remain stable, the district's litchi trade could generate between Tk 56 crore and Tk 60 crore.

Market observations in Rajshahi city and surrounding upazilas show that as supplies of early local varieties decline, Bombay litchi has taken over the market. 

Farmers and traders reported that while the season began with periods of intense heat, subsequent timely rainfall helped improve fruit size, colour and overall quality.

Farmers also noted that pest attacks were minimal this year, reducing the need for heavy pesticide use. Liton, a grower from the Borobangram area of Rajshahi city, said the weather remained largely favourable, which helped maintain orchard health and fruit quality.

Taimur, a farmer from Paba Upazila, and Syed from Bagha Upazila, said they received satisfactory prices for local litchi earlier in the season and are now witnessing strong demand for Bombay variety from wholesalers arriving from different parts of the country.

They added that direct procurement from orchards has increased significantly this year due to better fruit quality, while improved supply has helped keep prices within the purchasing capacity of consumers.

Market data shows that the price of 100 high-quality Bombay litchis has dropped compared to last year. While the same quantity sold for up to Tk 500 last year, this season it is being sold at Tk 300 to Tk 350 depending on quality and market location.

With wholesale trade gaining momentum, hundreds of trucks loaded with litchi are now leaving Rajshahi daily for different districts across the country. 

Traders said the smooth supply chain and increased production have helped stabilize the market while expanding distribution networks.

The bumper harvest has brought relief and optimism to stakeholders across the value chain, including orchard owners, farmers, depot operators, and transport workers, many of whom depend seasonally on litchi trade for their livelihoods.

Officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi said the fruit is gradually gaining importance alongside mango as a key horticultural product in the region's agricultural economy. 

They added that the expanding cultivation area and rising output indicate strong future potential for commercial growth.

Papia Rahman Moury, additional deputy director (horticulture) of DAE Rajshahi said the district's litchi sector is showing promising signs this year, supported by favourable weather and improved farming practices. 

She expressed hope that if the current trend continues, Rajshahi's litchi will become one of the country's major commercial fruits in the coming years, further strengthening the rural economy.