News Flash
RAJSHAHI, May 5, 2026 (BSS) - Seasonal litchis have started appearing in markets across Rajshahi city, bringing excitement among fruit lovers as the region prepares for the peak harvest in the coming weeks.
Market visits showed vendors selling not fully ripped litchis at Taka 300 to 400 per 100, with steady demand as consumers show interest in the early-season fruit.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the litchis currently available are at an early stage of maturity, while fully ripe and sweeter varieties are expected to reach markets within the next 15 to 20 days.
This season, litchis have been cultivated on 528 hectares of land in the district, with a production target of 3,800 tonnes.
Farmers said weather conditions, including heat and limited rainfall, have posed some challenges, causing some fruit drop. However, they remain hopeful about the overall harvest in the coming weeks.
Traders said they are supplying litchis to meet early consumer demand.
Yeasin Ali, a vendor in the city's Bhadra area, said, "The litchis now available are at an early stage. They taste slightly sweet with a hint of sourness. Fully sweet litchis will arrive within one to two weeks."
Jamal Uddin, a seller at Saheb Bazar Zero Point, said, "I brought litchis to the market as demand has started to build. Customers are buying them as the season begins. Better quality and sweeter litchis will be available soon."
Litchi farmer Shahriar Hossain from Paba upazila said, "Although many trees had good blossoms, some fruits dropped due to weather conditions. The remaining litchis are gradually maturing, and early varieties have started coming to the market."
Consumers also welcomed the arrival of the popular fruit.
Rokhsana Parveen, a buyer, said, "I came to buy fruits for visiting a relative and also picked up some litchis as they are now available in the market."
Ilias Hossain, another buyer, said, "My children like litchis very much, so I bought some. We are expecting sweeter ones in the coming days."
Health experts advised people to consume fully ripe fruits for better taste and safety.
Dr Shankar Kumar Biswas of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital said, "People should be careful and try to eat fully ripe fruits to avoid any health issues."
Deputy Director of the DAE in Rajshahi, Mohammad Nasir Uddin, said, "Litchis in many orchards are not yet fully ripe. It will take another one to two weeks for them to mature."
"We are advising farmers and traders to market fruits after proper maturity. As supply increases, better quality litchis will be available at more affordable prices," he added.
