Rajshahi May 4, (V7N)— The season’s most popular fruit, litchi, has arrived in Rajshahi markets, but its price has soared beyond the reach of ordinary buyers. At Saheb Bazar, litchis are selling at Tk 5–6 per piece, meaning Tk 500–600 for 100 litchis — far higher than last year.

Vendors say prolonged drought and extreme heat have reduced yields, leaving supply short. Many trees failed to produce normally, while others saw fruit split before ripening. As a result, marketable litchis are scarce.

Daily wage earners like Hamid Ali expressed frustration, noting that with a Tk 600 daily income, spending Tk 500 on litchis is impossible when household essentials must come first. Middle‑income families are also struggling with the inflated prices.

Farmers report heavy losses. Abdul Malek of Paba upazila said sudden changes in soil moisture caused litchi skins to crack, destroying much of the crop. Shafiqul Islam of Godagari added that high costs of fertilizer, pesticides, and labor make recovery unlikely this season.

According to the District Agriculture Extension Department, 526 hectares of land are under litchi cultivation this year, with a production target of 3,775 tons. However, officials admit achieving this goal is uncertain under current conditions. They estimate Rajshahi’s litchi trade could reach Tk 50 million this season, lower than previous years.

Deputy Director Mohammad Nasir Uddin said litchis are not yet fully ripe and will take another 15–20 days to reach markets in larger volumes. Prices should ease once supply increases, though much depends on weather conditions.

END/RA/RH