Litchi, the delicious fruit has arrived in the local markets here and the farmers are very happy as this year’s output has reached beyond their expectation.
Officials of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) said the commercial cultivation of litchi was started about 10 years back here and it has been increasing every year.
Some 1000 hectares of land has been brought under litchi cultivation in the district this year whereas it was 850 hectares last year. Per hectare expected outcome is 525 tons this year, the officials added.
However, the Litchi is cultivated on around 1500 hectares of land this year, unofficial sources claimed. Five varieties of litchi are grown by the farmers here. These are local variety, China 2, 3 and 4 and Bombay .China 2, 3 and 4 are on great demand in markets. Local variety litchi is being sold a bundle of 50 pieces at Taka 100 to 150 in the local markets.
Farmer Abdul Malek of Dangapara village under Debiganj upazila told BSS that I have sold my litchi orchard from two acres of land at Taka 3 lakhs to the wholesaler.
Md Samim, Deputy Director of the DAE, Panchagarh told BSS that Litchi’s production of this year is very good this year. Production will be increased in future if the farmers used balanced fertilizers in their orchard. He, however, said DAE has been providing necessary technical supports to the growers.
