(BSS) - Farmers in Rajshahi district are expecting a bumper production of litchi during the upcoming harvesting season due to favourable weather conditions and timely agricultural inputs.

So far, around 530 hectares of land in the district have been brought under litchi cultivation, with over 3,800 metric tonnes of the fruit expected to be produced this year, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Rajshahi.

Farmers said high yielding varieties of litchi, including China-3, Bombay and Madras, are being commercially cultivated in Bagmara, Durgapur, Puthia, Paba and Godagari upazilas of the district. If the weather condition remains favourable until June, they are hopeful of achieving a record harvest.

During a visit to several areas of the district last Monday and Tuesday, this reporter observed that the litchi trees were brimming with blossoms and young green fruits. Farmers were seen actively tending to their orchards.

Anwar Hossain, a farmer from Nandangachhi village under Charghat upazila, said hundreds of litchi orchards have been established on the cultivable land of homesteads in this region.

"The weather seems favorable for litchi cultivation, and we are optimistic about a good yield this year," he said.

The suitable soil, favorable climate, and attractive market prices are key factors driving the widespread cultivation of the fruit in Rajshahi. Moreover, farmers are increasingly turning to litchi cultivation as a pathway to financial self-reliance.

Litchi grower Monsur Rahman shared that they earn significant profits every year from their litchi orchards, which has contributed to their economic stability.

Dr Shafiqul Islam, Principal Scientific Officer at the Fruit Research Station (FRS), noted that the number of litchi orchards in the district has increased in recent years. Currently, there are approximately 150 litchi orchards in the region.

Dr Alim Uddin, retired Chief Scientific Officer at FRS, explained that mild cold weather during the flowering period, followed by dry weather, is essential for healthy litchi fruit development.

This year, the weather has been mild, with no rainfall after the flowering period, and only moderate rainfall following the emergence of green litchis. This has helped ensure steady fruit growth until the young litchis emerge, he added.

As a result of these favorable weather conditions, both farmers and agricultural extension officials are anticipating a bumper harvest this year, Dr. Alim remarked.

Ershad Ali, a farmer from Parila village under Paba upazila, earned Taka 1.5 lakh from 50 Bombay variety trees last year. He expects a return of around Taka two lakh this year, provided the weather continues to cooperate.

In addition to farming, litchi trading is also flourishing in Rajshahi.

Shahidul Islam, a trader from Chapainawabganj who has been involved in litchi trading for the past 12 years, mentioned that the business is profitable, with the acreage of litchi cultivation increasing gradually each year.

Another litchi trader, Yeasin Ali, has leased a ten-acre orchard this year, cultivating China-3, Bombay, and Madras varieties. Every day, 40 laborers tend to the trees, and traders from Dhaka have already started purchasing the fruit, Ali told BSS on Thursday.

DAE Deputy Director Umme Salma stated that a five-year-old litchi tree yields about 100 to 150 kg of fruit, equivalent to approximately 2,000 to 6,000 litchis.

She also highlighted that there is no current threat to the litchi crop, as weather conditions have remained favorable for its growth. Local farmers are taking diligent care of their orchards, applying necessary treatments and medications.

"Many families in Bargachhi, Bagsara, Charghat, and Bagha have achieved economic self-sufficiency through successful litchi cultivation," Umme Salma added.