Photo: BSS

GAZIPUR, June 8, 2026 (BSS) - The district is witnessing a bumper litchi harvest this season, with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) expecting production to exceed 27,375 metric tonnes from orchards spread across 1,437 hectares of land.

According to DAE officials, the cultivation of litchi has been expanding commercially in the district each year due to its profitability.

Among the district's upazilas, Sreepur remains the leading producer of litchi. The fruit is also cultivated extensively in Kapasia, Kaliganj, Kaliakair, and Gazipur Sadar. However, Sreepur's litchi enjoys the highest demand nationwide because of its distinctive taste and juiciness.

The most commonly cultivated varieties in the district are China-3, Bombai, and Pati.

Local growers said that harvesting and marketing activities are in full swing throughout the Bengali month of Jaishtha. Entire families, regardless of gender, are actively involved in orchard management, harvesting, and transportation of the fruit.

Farmers spend nights guarding orchards against bats and birds, while daytime is dedicated to harvesting and sending the fruit to markets.

Fazlul Haque, a litchi grower from Bartopa area in Sreepur upazila, said both production and market prices have been satisfactory this year.

Growers and traders are supplying litchis not only to local markets but also to the capital, Dhaka, to secure better returns.

Abul Khayer, a litchi farmer from Rajabari village, said litchi is the main source of income for many farmers during the season. Due to the fruit's strong market reputation, traders from different parts of the country often purchase orchards in advance as soon as flowering begins.

He said he sold the produce from 35 trees in his orchard for Taka 150,000 this season.

Despite the strong harvest, traders expressed concerns about storage facilities, as litchi is highly perishable. Mamunur Rashid, a trader at Raniganj market in Kapasia, said the fruit cannot remain on trees for long after ripening.

He suggested that government initiatives to establish cold storage facilities or preservation systems would benefit farmers, traders, and consumers alike.

Mahbub Alam, Deputy Director of the Gazipur District Department of Agricultural Extension, said the department has been providing continuous guidance and support to encourage litchi cultivation among local farmers.

"As a result, commercial production of litchi has been increasing every year in the district," he said.

He also said that the department has maintained strict monitoring from the beginning of the season to ensure that consumers receive safe and pesticide-free litchis.

"With excellent yields across the district this year, the expansion of litchi cultivation and its economic success are further strengthening the foundation of Gazipur's rural economy," he added.