Dhaka: The honey month of Jyaishtha has arrived, bringing with it an abundance of seasonal fruits as shops, stalls, and mobile vendors throughout the city are brimming with juicy delights. Local fruit varieties such as mango, blackberry, jackfruit, litchi, and pineapple, among others, are in high demand during this time, providing a vibrant display of flavors.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, these fruits are supplied from various districts across the country, including the capital Dhaka, and are sold by seasonal traders and stallholders. Online fruit sales have gained popularity in recent years, alongside the traditional mobile vendors operating from vans. The month of Jyaishtha is characterized by markets filled with the sweet aroma of these fruits, creating a lively atmosphere.
Sellers have established stalls offering a range of fruits, including mango, jackfruit, litchi, palm kernel, and pineapple, across different areas of the capital such as Karwan Bazar, Khilgaon, Shantinagar, and more. Despite the season's end, fruits like bell, melon, and watermelon remain available. Mango and litchi currently top buyers' demand, although the price of litchi remains relatively high, ranging from 400 to 1400 taka depending on the variety.
Traders anticipate that litchi prices from districts like Rajshahi and Dinajpur will decrease within the next week. Meanwhile, mango varieties such as Bahari from Satkhira, Jessore, and Rajshahi are sold for 100 to 150 taka, while black jam is priced between 400 and 600 taka per kilogram. Small traders across the city are also selling these fruits from vans in many neighborhoods and footpaths.
Himsagar mango is being sold for 100 to 150 taka per kilogram, Gobindabhog and Gopalbhog for 120 taka, and Guti mango for 1000 taka. Other local fruits like jam and jackfruit are comparatively more expensive, though shopkeepers assure that prices will become affordable for ordinary buyers within a week.
The supply of ripe jackfruit is currently low, but fruit traders expect the market to be flooded with jackfruit soon. Ripe jackfruit, popular for cooking with mixed vegetables, is gradually gaining attention. Abu Taher, a fruit seller, noted that mangoes arriving from districts like Satkhira are priced reasonably, with good sales across all types.
Bachchu Mia, a trader, mentioned that the litchis currently in the market are small, with larger ones expected to arrive next week at lower prices. A significant portion of ripe jackfruit comes from Gazipur and Savar, with the supply expected to increase in two weeks.
During Jyaishtha, the demand for foreign fruits declines as local varieties like mango and litchi take center stage. Mofizul Islam, a fruit trader, observed that during Jyaishtha and Ashadha, people prefer local fruits, although some still purchase malta, apples, and pineapples for the unwell.
Mixed reactions were noted among buyers regarding fruit prices. While some find mango and litchi prices acceptable, others feel the costs of other local fruits are higher. Low-income individuals, like rickshaw puller Nurul Islam, view local fruits as a blessing, as they cannot afford foreign alternatives.
Despite various limitations, people from all walks of life cherish local fruits during Jyaishtha, making it a cherished tradition in the country.