Photo: BSS

LALMONIRHAT, May 24, 2026 (BSS) - With the onset of the Bangla month of Joishtho-popularly known as the "Madhu Mash"-seasonal fruits have begun to arrive in markets across the district, bringing renewed activity to local trade hubs.

Mangoes, jackfruits, litchis, pineapples and jamrul are now being sold in different parts of the district headquarters. However, traders say prices remain relatively high due to limited early-season supply, even though buyer interest remains strong.

A visit to key marketplaces such as BDR Gate, Mission More, Paur Bazar, Goshala Bazar, Chandni Bazar, the Bus Terminal, Railway Station and Court Bazar areas shows temporary stalls set up by seasonal traders, offering a variety of colorful and fresh fruits.

 The arrival of these seasonal products has added vibrancy to local market activity.

According to the District Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), both local and improved fruit varieties have started reaching markets, with supply expected to increase in the coming weeks.

Popular mango varieties currently available include Gopalbhog, Khirsapat (Himsagar), Langra, Hadibhanga, Arapali, Fazli, Ashwina, Mohanbhog and Bombay. Jackfruit varieties such as Gala, Rasa, Khaja, Chhota Khaja, Bara Khaja, Deshi and Madhu are also being sold.

In the litchi segment, varieties such as Bombay, Madraji, China-1, China-3, Bedana, Muzaffarpuri, Elachi, Kadmi and Bari are available in the market. Farmers report increasing commercial cultivation of hybrid and high-yield varieties like China-3, Bombay and Madraji. Pineapples such as Honey Queen (Jaldugi), Giant Q, Ghorashal, Calendar, Desi and Pahari are also being traded.

At present, jackfruit is selling at Taka 100-200 depending on size and quality, mango at Taka 20-80 per kg, pineapple at Taka 50-70 per piece, and litchi at Taka 200-700 per 100 pieces. Traders expect prices to stabilize as supply increases in the coming weeks.

Consumers expressed mixed reactions regarding pricing. "The fruits are nutritious and tasty, but prices are a bit high at the start of the season," said buyer Kausar Alam at Mission More.

Fruit seller Ikramul Haque said that prices are expected to fall once supply increases.

Farmers in the region also remain optimistic. Jahangir Alam of Barabari union said favorable weather conditions have led to a good harvest expectation this year, while litchi farmer Mansur Rahman reported consistent profits contributing to household income stability.

Litchi trader Yasin Ali said he has leased half of his land for fruit cultivation this year and has already begun sales to wholesalers from Dhaka.

According to Deputy Director of DAE Dr. Md. Saikhul Arifin, mango cultivation covers 506 hectares in the district, jackfruit 216 hectares, and litchi and pineapple around 10 hectares combined. He added that homestead-based fruit farming is also gaining popularity among local growers.