GURUDASPUR, NATORE, May 14: The sweet scent and striking red colour of early-ripening Muzaffar litchi have transformed Gurdaspur Upazila into a vibrant hub of seasonal trade, with daily transactions crossing several crores of taka in local and wholesale markets.
At the onset of the pre-monsoon heat and occasional rains, litchi orchards across the region have begun yielding ripe, red, juicy fruits. From dawn, farmers are seen harvesting litchi while traders and labourers rush towards local markets, creating a lively rural scene of economic activity.
Known as one of the major litchi-producing zones in northern Bangladesh, Gurdaspur has 570 orchards this year covering around 410 hectares of land. According to the Upazila Agriculture Extension Department, 395 hectares are under early Mozaffor variety, while the rest include Bombai and China-3 varieties. Total production is estimated at around 3.69 lakh tonnes, with a projected market value of nearly Tk 50 crore.
Almost all areas of the upazila, including Nazirpur, Juminagar, Mamudpur, Mollahbazar, Jhaopara, Binayabari and Biyaghata, are involved in litchi cultivation. The highest concentration of orchards is in Nazirpur Union, where nearly 20 temporary trading hubs have been set up.
Markets such as Mayer Doa Banijjaloy, Bhai Bhai Fruit Bhandar, Sontota Fruit Bhandar, Molla Fruit Bhandar, Bismillah Fruit Bhandar, Mokka-Madina Fruit Bhandar, Sonali Fruit Bhandar and Talukder Fruit Bhandar are witnessing brisk trade from morning to evening.
Farmers from different villages are bringing freshly harvested litchis in the early hours, while wholesale buyers from across the country purchase them through open bidding. The fruits are then packed in bamboo baskets and transported in trucks to Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Sylhet, Rajshahi and other major markets.
Traders said each basket contains around 2,000 to 2,500 litchis, and 15 to 25 trucks are dispatched daily during peak season. Demand rises further in the middle of the season as buyers from major cities rush to secure early varieties.
Litchi grower Rabiul Karim said extreme heat has caused some fruits to crack and fall prematurely, but relatively good market prices have helped recover part of the losses.
Grower Mofizul Haque said he cultivated litchi on 10 bighas of land this year and expects moderate profit despite slightly smaller fruit size.
Market trader Mahbub of Mayer Doa Banijjaloy said the market officially opened following its inauguration by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, and daily sales have already crossed several crore taka. Prices vary between Tk 1,800 and Tk 2,400 per thousand litchis depending on quality.
Association president Motaleb Member said around 7,000 seasonal workers are currently engaged in the litchi trade, including harvesting, packing, transport and market operations.
Officials said Gurdaspur's litchi has earned a strong reputation nationwide for its taste, colour and quality, making it a key seasonal economic driver in the region.
