Bumper Litchi production in Panchagarh

Litchi, the month-watering and delicious
fruit, has arrived in the local markets here and farmers are very happy over
this year’s production as they are getting much yield beyond expectation.

Officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said the
commercial cultivation of litchi started about 10 years back here and it has
been increasing every year.

Some 1,000 hectares of the land have been brought under litchi cultivation in
the district this year, the officials added.

However, litchi is cultivated on around 1500 hectares of land this year,
unofficial sources claimed.

There are five varieties of litchi– local variety, China 2, 3 and 4 and
Bombay– are grown by the farmers here which are on great demand in the local
markets.

Local variety litchi is being sold a bundle of 50 pieces at Taka 90 to 100 in
the local markets. Farmer Abdul Malek of Dangapara village under Debiganj
upazila said: “I have sold my litchi orchard on two acres of land at Taka 0.3
million (3 lakh) to the wholesaler.”

Md Samchul Huque, deputy director of the DAE, Panchagarh, said: “This year’s
litchi production is very good. Production will be increased in future if the
farmers used balanced fertilizers in their orchard.”

He, however, said that the DAE has been providing adequate necessary
technical support to the growers in time. (BSS)