Dinajpur Litchi Harvest Hits Peak Amid Calls for Expanded Global Exports
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The northern district of Dinajpur is currently at the height of its annual harvest, as vibrant clusters of red, crimson, and pink lychees hang heavy from trees across the region. Known widely as the country’s “lychee capital,” the district serves as the heart of Bangladesh’s production, where the confluence of sandy-loam soil and favorable climate fosters a fruit renowned for its sweetness and succulent quality.
The legacy of lychee cultivation in Dinajpur dates back to the late 19th century, when British colonial administrators and local landowners introduced varieties brought from India’s Madras and Bombay regions. While initial cultivation was largely ornamental or small-scale, the industry transitioned into a robust commercial enterprise approximately three decades ago. Today, the local agriculture department reports that over 700,000 trees are spread across 5,490 hectares of land, with an annual production target of nearly 38,000 metric tons.
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The region produces a diverse array of varieties, with the “Bombay” type currently dominating the landscape, followed by Madras, China-3, and the highly prized “Bedana” lychee. The latter received a significant boost last year when it was awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status, reinforcing its reputation as a premium product. Local cultivators, such as Abbas Ali of the Ulipur area, note that the trade has become a generational pursuit, with families replacing aging orchards with newer, more productive saplings while preserving individual historic trees as symbols of their heritage.
As the season progresses, the local markets, particularly the Kalitala New Market, become hubs of intense activity. Traders from across Bangladesh—including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Barishal—converge here to transport the fruit to markets nationwide. Prices vary significantly by variety; while Madras lychees typically fetch between 1,500 and 2,500 taka per thousand, the premium China-3 variety can command up to 12,000 taka per thousand due to its large size and high flesh-to-seed ratio.
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The global profile of Dinajpur’s lychee is also expanding. Following initial exports to France and the Netherlands during the 2022-23 fiscal year, recent shipments have reached the United Kingdom. Researchers are now working to ensure the industry’s longevity against the backdrop of shifting climatic conditions. The Bangladesh Fruit Research Institute has developed five new varieties, specifically identifying BARI-3 and BARI-4 as highly compatible with the region’s soil. Meanwhile, scholars at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University are focusing on the nutritional profiling and long-term pulp preservation of the Bedana variety.
Despite this progress, experts warn that the industry faces long-term challenges, including the aging of existing orchards and the unpredictable impacts of climate change. Retired professor and author Jalil Ahmed emphasizes that sustaining the regional economy requires increased investment in scientific research, improved disease management, and the expansion of international export channels. For the growers of Dinajpur, the current harvest represents more than just a seasonal crop; it is a vital economic pillar and a point of national pride that demands strategic support to remain competitive on the global stage.
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